USA Triathlon, Challenged Athletes Foundation Collaborate on Junior Paratriathlon Development Program

February 4, 2020

Grant funding and coaching support available for up-and-coming paratriathletes ages 12-17

Grant funding and coaching support available for up-and-coming paratriathletes ages 12-17

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon and the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) have partnered to offer a first-of-its-kind junior paratriathlon development program, the two organizations announced today. The program will support up-and-coming paratriathletes ages 12-17 with grant funding, coaching guidance, apparel and other development resources.

“USA Triathlon is proud to team up with CAF to support athletes with the future potential to excel in international paratriathlon events and, ultimately, the 2024 or 2028 Paralympic Games,” said Amanda Duke Boulet, Paralympic Program Director at USA Triathlon. “It can be difficult for young athletes to get started in our sport without the proper resources and guidance. This inaugural program will connect up to five individuals with expert coaches, offset their competition travel expenses and set them up for long-term success beyond the 2020 season.”

“The Challenged Athletes Foundation is proud to partner with USA Triathlon to help develop the next generation of paratriathletes. Our combined expertise and history in growing the sport of paratriathlon will ensure that this new juniors’ program provides much-needed support for athletes to develop and succeed in the sport.” said Travis Ricks, Associate Director of Programs and Athlete Relations at CAF.

The program, which runs for the duration of 2020, aims to identify talent, provide assistance and encourage passion for the sport of triathlon in aspiring junior paratriathletes. Accepted athletes will receive a CAF travel grant to be used for select triathlon races and training camps. Athletes will receive support and advice from a USA Triathlon-certified paratriathlon coach. In addition, they will be recognized with dedicated athlete bios on usatriathlon.org and challengedathletes.org, and outfitted with USA Triathlon and CAF-branded equipment and apparel.

Applicants must commit to training primarily for triathlons during the 2020 season with the ability to participate in three events, including the USA Triathlon/Challenged Athletes Foundation Youth Paratriathlon Camp from June 29-July 3 in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the USA Triathlon Youth & Junior Nationals from Aug. 1-2 in West Chester, Ohio; and an optional event of the athlete’s choosing within the 2020 calendar year.

The application process is now open, and complete information can be found at usatriathlon.org. Interested athletes must submit their applications, along with a race resume, by March 1, 2020. Up to five athletes will be selected for the program at the discretion of the USA Triathlon High Performance team and the CAF Programs team.

To learn more about USA Paratriathlon, including development pathways for aspiring elite paratriathletes, visit usaparatriathlon.org. For questions regarding the junior paratriathlon development program, contact Gavin Shulock at gavin.shulock@usatriathlon.org.

About USA Triathlon

USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 events and connects with more than 400,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors — as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation — USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

About the Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping people with physical challenges lead active, healthy lifestyles. CAF believes that participation in physical activity at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.  Since 1994, more than $112 million has been raised and over 26,000 funding requests from people with physical challenges in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts impact another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it’s a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF’s mission is clear: give opportunities and support to those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles. To learn more, visit challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.

– usatriathlon.org –