The sixth annual Dodge Million Dollar Challenge kicked-off on Saturday 15 October 2011 at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, announced the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), the event’s organizer and beneficiary. One hundred riders, including both able-bodied and physically challenged athletes, will embark on a seven-day, 620-mile cycling tour down the rugged California coastline and finish their journey at Kellogg Park in San Diego, California, on Friday 21 October.
Cyclists have raised more than US$1 million for CAF, a non-profit organization that helps physically-challenged people realize their potential through sport by providing adaptive sports equipment and development and mentoring programs.
The Dodge brand is CAF’s global partner and the Million Dollar Challenge title sponsor. Company employee Marc Henretta, a paraplegic, trained all summer to cycle the full tour.
“This event represents what the human spirit is capable of and how any challenge can truly be overcome. After six months of training you see this cause come to life right before your eyes as we ride down the California coast as a group,” said Dean Roeper, Co-Chair of the Dodge Million Dollar Challenge. “It’s a life-changing experience to work through difficult moments next to someone facing that same challenge in a handcycle. It’s very humbling,” he added.
Riding alongside the 100 participants will be 14 challenged athletes including Army Sergeant Major Chris Self, a 44-year-old Purple Heart recipient who sustained gunshot wounds to both legs during combat operations while serving in Iraq. “Finding the Challenged Athletes Foundation and taking part in their Operation Rebound program returned me to the active person I was before losing my leg,” said Self. “Thanks to their efforts, my fellow veterans and I are able to overcome any challenge and succeed in sport and in life.”
Also riding are top pro cyclists from Team Garmin-Cervélo and CAF ambassador – and NBA Hall of Famer – Bill Walton who, after 36 surgeries himself, understands the importance of being able to ride his bike every day. Additional Million Dollar Challenge event sponsors include SKLZ, J&L Pie Company, Life Technologies, ZICO, XX1090 Sports Radio, Competitor, Triathlete Magazine, Skin Medica, Rancho Valencia and GU.
