First in a series of CAF partnerships with National Governing Bodies will provide critical support for emerging Para athletes
CAF and USRowing Expand Para Rowing Opportunities Ahead of LA28
San Diego, CA, Sept. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and USRowing today announced a multi-year partnership to help emerging rowers with physical disabilities progress from early participation toward elite competition.
The collaboration is the first in a series of CAF partnerships with National Governing Bodies (NGBs) focused on strengthening the development of athletes with physical disabilities. Through grant funding, development camps, talent identification and athlete storytelling, CAF and USRowing will help more athletes access the resources and opportunities needed to advance in the sport.
In the first year, the partnership aims to provide grants and scholarships to 10 to 15 emerging Para rowing athletes, support two development camps, and increase awareness of Para rowing opportunities nationwide.
“CAF has always believed that access to sport can transform lives,” said Patrick Lawrence, Chief Programs Officer at Challenged Athletes Foundation. “By partnering with USRowing and other National Governing Bodies, we can provide emerging athletes with the support they need to continue progressing and build a stronger Paralympic pipeline for LA28 and beyond.”
By combining CAF’s experience supporting athletes with physical disabilities with USRowing’s sport-specific expertise, the organizations will also create clearer entry points for individuals who may not know that Para rowing is available or how to get involved.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Challenged Athletes Foundation to expand access and opportunity for Para rowers across the country,” said Will Bott, Director of Inclusion and Community Engagement, USRowing. “This partnership will help remove barriers, connect more athletes to rowing opportunities, and strengthen the pathway for athletes with disabilities at every level. We’re grateful to CAF and its supporters for investing in this work and helping us build a stronger future for rowing.”
CAF will announce additional partnerships with National Governing Bodies individually in the coming months, creating sustained support and visibility for emerging athletes across multiple Paralympic sports.
Athletes interested in learning more about Para rowing opportunities can visit https://usrowing.org/athletes/para-adaptive. Information about CAF grants, programs and support for athletes with physical disabilities is available at https://www.challengedathletes.org/
About USRowing
USRowing is the national governing body for the sport of rowing in the United States, responsible for stewarding, strengthening, and growing American rowing by championing performance and igniting new passion for the sport. USRowing serves a broad and dedicated community—athletes, coaches, referees, volunteers, clubs, and event organizers—and the U.S. National Team. Through events, programming, education, and fundraising, USRowing supports participation at every level—from novices through the high-performance athletes dedicated to reaching Olympic and Paralympic podiums.
About Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) stands as a global leader in empowering individuals with physical disabilities to embrace vibrant, active lives. CAF firmly believes that engaging in physical activity fosters self-esteem, encourages independence, and enriches quality of life. For more than three transformative decades, CAF has been at the forefront of the adaptive sports movement, catalyzing change and redefining possibilities. Since its inception in 1994, CAF has raised over $200 million and fulfilled nearly 60,000 funding requests from people with physical disabilities across all 50 states and more than 70 countries, impacting another 60,000 individuals annually through its outreach efforts. From providing essential equipment like handcycles to offering mentorship and encouragement, CAF’s mission is clear: to provide opportunities and support to those who aspire to lead active, athletic lifestyles. To learn more, please visit www.challengedathletes.org.
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CONTACT: Christy Fritts Challenged Athletes Foundation 858.442.9570 christy@challengedathletes.org
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