Challenged Athletes Foundation Honored with USOPC's Rings of Gold…

Event summary

Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) received its first Rings of Gold Program Award from the USOPC on September 24, 2026.
The award recognizes CAF’s commitment to helping athletes with physical disabilities pursue athletic and personal potential.
Over 60% of U.S. Paralympic athletes have received CAF grant support during their careers.
CAF has raised over $200 million and fulfilled nearly 60,000 funding requests since its inception in 1994.

The big picture

The Rings of Gold Award underscores CAF’s pivotal role in the adaptive sports ecosystem, particularly as the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games approach. With over $200 million raised and nearly 60,000 funding requests fulfilled, CAF’s influence extends beyond equipment grants to shaping the future of Paralympic athletics. The recognition highlights the growing intersection of nonprofit funding and elite athlete development.

What we're watching

Impact of Recognition: How the USOPC award will enhance CAF’s visibility and fundraising capabilities ahead of the 2028 Paralympic Games.
Athlete Development: Whether CAF can sustain its support for 60% of U.S. Paralympic athletes as demand grows.
Funding Expansion: The pace at which CAF can expand its grant programs to meet increasing needs of adaptive athletes.