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CAF Honors Soldiers, Others
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The view looking down at LaJolla Cove for the shotgun start of the 2004 SDTC. |
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The 11th Annual San Diego Triathlon Challenge
(SDTC), the largest fund-raiser for the Challenged Athletes
Foundation (CAF), Del Mar, California, played host to some of the
world's top challenged athletes, celebrities, and professional
athletes who participated in a grueling half-Ironman. More than 500
athletes from across the country registered for this noncompetitive
event, which raised a record $1,095,361 for CAF. All proceeds help
give people with disabilities the chance to pursue a life full of
physical activity and sports.
The crowd gathered on Sunday, October 31, at the La Jolla Cove
for a touching opening ceremony in which award-winning actor and
seven-time participant in the SDTC Robin Williams honored eight
American soldiers who have become amputees as a result of the
conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. He presented each of them with a
commemorative CAF medal of honor. Among those participating were
purple heart recipient Captain David Rozelle and bronze and purple
heart recipient SFC Mike McNaughton, who was featured in USA
Today last spring running with President Bush.
At 8:00 AM, the SDTC was underway. Among those who swam the 1.2
miles were Baywatch star Alexandra Paul, pro triathlete
Sian Welch, Paralympic gold medalist Rudy Garcia-Tolson, and the
inspirational father-and-son team of Rick and Dick Hoyt.
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Robin Williams pauses for a photo opportunity with Jim McLaren and the soldiers honored at the 2004 SDTC. |
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Participating on the 56-mile bike portion was
Bachelorette star Ryan Sutter, actor Robin Williams, and
Olympic cycling trainer and Lance Armstrong buddy Jim Ochowicz.
Running 13.1 miles was three-time Ironman champion Peter Reid,
Ironman legends Wendy Ingrahm and Scott Tinley, and challenged
athlete superstars Paul Martin and John Siciliano.
Completing the entire event was Willie Stewart and first-timers
Akian Aleong, Kelli Bruno, and Matt Henderson.
Top fundraising honors went to Bobby Bostic, who raised over
$75,000 and became the first inductee into the CAF Fundraising Hall
of Fame, which requires fundraisers to raise over $250,000 for
CAF.
Sarah Reinertsen was presented with the "Most Inspirational
Athlete" Award. This award is given to the athlete who never ceases
to inspire through strength, athleticism, unfathomable ability, and
true dedication to pursuing the CAF mission. Bobby Bostic received
the Jim MacLaren Award, which is presented to the individual or
corporation who has made the most significant contribution towards
the mission of CAF. The first Rising Star Award, given to a young
athlete who has demonstrated commitment, dedication, and focus to
meet an athletic goal, went to Roy Perkins.
For more information about the 11th Annual SDTC or CAF and
its mission, visit www.challengedathletes.org 
Table Of Contents - February 2005
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