April 27, 2010

SKLZ will be sponsoring the final day ride of the Challenged Athletes Foundation Million Dollar Challenge ride from San Francisco to San Diego October 16th to the 22nd.

The Million Dollar Challenge (MDC) is an unforgettable seven-day, 620-mile journey down the breathtaking California coastline from San Francisco to San Diego. The ride begins on Saturday, October 16 with an arrival in San Diego on Friday, October 22, 2010. Participants have the option of riding a final stage on the 56-mile bike course used for the San Diego Triathlon Challenge on Sunday, October 24. The Million Dollar Challenge riders will play a memorable role in that day's "celebration of abilities."

 

In order for CAF to reach the $1 million goal, each participating rider in the MDC must "give or get" $10,000. In 2009 SKLZ CEO John Sarkisian participated in the event, "My experience was positive, uplifting and somewhat overwhelming. Being with the Challenged Athletes and completing one of the more difficult physical challenges continues to influence my life today."

 

Participation includes a fully supported ride, including hotel accommodations for seven nights, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, tour leaders, sag wagons, mechanical support, first aid, massage, and bike transport from Southern California to San Francisco prior to the start of the ride. 

 

The money raised for the Million Dollar Challenge will help towards the payment of handcycles, racing chairs, sports chairs and sports prosthetics for challenged athletes, as well as help subsidize their competition and training expenses.  A single handcycle runs upwards of $2,500 and a prosthetic running foot can average between $10,000 and $15,000.

 

The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF), a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is a world leader in helping people with physical challenges get involved, and stay involved, in sports. Headquartered in San Diego with regional chapters, CAF provides unparalleled sports opportunities, hope, education, and inspiration enabling physically challenged individuals to live active lifestyles.

 

It is the mission of CAF to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.