Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), a world leader in helping individuals with physical disabilities get involved and stay involved in sports, has today announced the distribution of more than US$1.4 million in funds to a record 980 individual grant recipients in 22 countries, as part of its annual Access for Athletes program grant distribution.
Supporting the athletic endeavours of physically challenged individuals of all ages, disabilities and ability levels leads to their success in sports and life.
The funds from CAF will help pay for adaptive sports equipment not typically covered by insurance, training and coaching expenses, and funding for competitions.
“Through the unwavering dedication and support of our fundraisers, sponsors and donors, the Challenged Athletes Foundation was able to assist more physically challenged individuals than ever before,” said Virginia Tinley, CAF’s Executive Director.
“We’ve seen first-hand how involvement in sports increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances the quality of life for people with physical disabilities. Every recipient of an Access for Athletes grant will have his or her life changed in an incredibly positive way and we are honoured to provide these much needed funds.”
Thanks to contributions CAF received in 2010 through its fundraising events, sponsors and donors, hope and opportunity was delivered to a record number of physically challenged athletes through CAF’s 2011 Access for Athletes grant distribution.
Of the 2011 grant distribution, 980 athlete grants were awarded (80% of all applicants). 54% were new grantees, and grants were used to support 48 different sports activities.
Most requested equipment items were: basketball chairs (120); handcycles (104); and sports prosthetics (54).
Access for Athletes bridges the gap between physical rehabilitation and a return to an active lifestyle. Stepping in where medical treatment, rehabilitation and health insurance ends, Access for Athletes provides funding grants for adaptive sport equipment, training and coaching expenses and competitions.
Grant applications are accepted once a year between September 1 and December 1, and evaluated and distributed annually in April.
