The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), a world leader in creating athletic opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities, has announced its second Dodge Paratriathlon Camp to support the recent inclusion of paratriathlon in the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games in Rio de Janiero.
The Dodge brand is partnering with CAF for the charity’s 2011 season. In addition to sponsoring the Dodge Paratriathlon camp, the Dodge brand serves as a ‘Global Partner’ for the foundation and is the title sponsor of CAF’s Million Dollar Challenge.
The purpose of the camp is to increase interest in the sport and help aspiring paratriathletes hone their skills at a comprehensive two-and-a-half day camp focusing on technical training techniques, race preparation and nutrition.
Taking place at the Portofino Island Resort in Pensacola, Florida, on May 5-8, the camp will be led by world-class coaches Sergio Borges (USA Triathlon Level 3 coach), Peter Harsch (USAT Level 1 coach) and local USAT Level 1 Multisport Performance Institute triathlon coaches Mark Sortino and John Murray.
Participants will be supported and mentored by some of America’s top paratriathletes, including Paul Martin, a four-time ITU world champion, Sarah Reinertsen, the first woman on an artificial leg to complete the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, and Jon Beeson, former ITU world champion and co-chair of the USA Paratriathlon Committee.
Participants in the Dodge CAF Paratriathlon Camp will include 10 injured service members from CAF’s Operation Rebound program.
“Identifying and developing America’s paratriathletes as we prepare for the 2016 Paralympics is critical to securing spots on the podium in Rio,” said USA Paratriathlon Committee co-chair Jon Beeson.
“Full, comprehensive camps led by top experts and authorities, such as the ones put on by the CAF, allow up-and-coming paratriathletes to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”
CAF’s Senior Director of Programs Roy Perkins added, “We are excited to be working with our partners to provide the most comprehensive and technically advanced camp available to paratriathletes in the United States.
“Our goal is to help the athletes we work with take their participation in paratriathlon to the next level – whether their goal is to make it to Rio or just set a personal best in a local event.”
