Challenged Athletes Foundation, USRowing Partner to Boost Para…

Event summary

Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and USRowing announce a multi-year partnership to develop Para rowing athletes ahead of the 2028 Paralympics.
Initial focus includes grants for 10–15 emerging athletes, two development camps, and nationwide awareness campaigns.
CAF plans additional partnerships with National Governing Bodies to expand support for Paralympic sports.
USRowing will leverage its expertise to create clearer entry points for disabled athletes into Para rowing.

The big picture

This partnership aligns with growing emphasis on disability inclusion in sports, particularly as the 2028 Paralympics approach. CAF’s strategy of collaborating with National Governing Bodies could set a precedent for structured athlete development in other Paralympic sports. The initiative also reflects broader trends in adaptive sports funding, where targeted grants and mentorship are increasingly seen as critical to long-term success.

What we're watching

Pipeline Development: Whether CAF and USRowing can sustain the pace of athlete progression toward elite competition.
Scalability: How quickly CAF can replicate this model with other National Governing Bodies.
Impact Measurement: The effectiveness of grant funding and development camps in increasing Paralympic participation.