Cyclists Converge in California to Support Athletes with Disabilities

More than 120 cyclists are currently traversing the California coast to raise funds for athletes with disabilities. This event, known as the Million Dollar Challenge, kicked off in Santa Rosa and will conclude in San Diego, with participants averaging approximately 100 miles each day over the course of a week.

Among the cyclists, 24 individuals have physical disabilities and utilize specially adapted bikes. Josh Sweeney, a Paralympic gold medalist in sled hockey, shared the challenges faced by those requiring custom equipment. “We can’t go down to a local bike shop; it’s hard enough on the internet to find what we need,” Sweeney stated. He lost both legs above the knee while serving as a Marine Corps Scout Sniper in Afghanistan and emphasized the need for specialized manufacturing to meet their needs.

The funds raised during this challenge will benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), which supports thousands of athletes annually through grants for equipment, mentorship, and community. Dean Roeper, chairman of the Million Dollar Challenge, highlighted the importance of their work, saying, “For those people to be active and get out into life through sport, it takes a non-profit like ourselves to bridge that gap.”

The impact of the foundation is profoundly personal for many participants. Michael Smith, an Army veteran who lost his arm in a hit-and-run incident, credits CAF with transforming his life. “When you serve 24 years of your life serving this country, then things start to crumble around you,” he explained. “CAF stepped into my life and said, ‘Recovery through sport is going to be your best way out of this.’ Because of them, now I’m putting my bid in for the LA 2028 Paralympics.”

Another notable participant is Ryen Reed, who was born with Cerebral Palsy and is completing her fourth Million Dollar Challenge. She expressed her gratitude for the support she has received over the last decade, stating, “People are so amazed when they see our bikes and what we can do.” Reed added that her experiences inspire her to empower others, saying, “It’s incredible, and it inspires me and makes me stronger to help the next generation.”

The Million Dollar Challenge aims to raise over $2 million for disabled athletes, and donations are still being accepted at the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s website. This initiative not only provides essential resources for adaptive sports but also fosters a sense of community among participants who share similar experiences and challenges.

As the cyclists continue their journey, they embody resilience and determination, advocating for the rights and capabilities of athletes with disabilities while also celebrating the transformative power of sport.