Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) leads the way in developing the next wave of Adaptive Surfers at the Switchfoot BRO-AM Event

SAN DIEGO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in the event's history, Team CAF adaptive surfers will be competing in the same team contest as able-bodied pro and amateur surfers at the Switchfoot BRO-AM, presented by Hurley and iHeartMedia at Moonlight Beach on Saturday, June 24, 2017. They will participate against 12 other teams in 25-minute heats with a 30-minute final heat if they qualify. Team CAF Surfers are:

• Alana Nichols, paralyzed in a snowboard accident, she is a 3-time Paralympic Gold Medalist, Hurley sponsored surfer who paddles the waves in a sit wave ski.
• Dani Burt, lost her right leg in a motorcycle accident, recently placed 2^nd for USA Adaptive Surf Team.
• Mike Coots, from Kauai lost his right leg in a shark attack, he is an accomplished surfer and silver medalist from Team Hawaii at 2016 ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championships.
• Ryan Gambrell, was born with dwarfism and is a competitive surfer that has represented USA Adaptive Surf Team for the past 2 years at ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championships.

"Our goal has always been to celebrate surfing and to give back to organizations having a direct impact in the sport that we love," said Jon Foreman, lead singer of Switchfoot and founder of the Switchfoot BRO-AM surf contest. "Because of this, we'll have Team CAF, four skilled and competitive adaptive surfers compete in the BRO-AM contest ? same waves and same audience. Adaptive surfers continue to drive our sport forward and ensure our event can lead the way for sporting events around the world to create a culture of inclusion."

Team CAF Athletes will also be coaching and mentoring at the 2^nd Annual Junior Seau Foundation Youth Adaptive Surf Camp, presented by CAF on Thursday 6/22 and Friday 6/23 at Del Mar State Beach.

In its second year, this program will introduce, instruct and develop the next wave of adaptive surfers who want to learn to surf and enjoy the water like every other kid. They will compete in their own 25-minute contest at 1:10pm on Saturday, June 24, 2017 where there will be medals awarded for first, second and third place.

Last year, in April 2016, the Junior Seau Foundation presented a $250,000 check to CAF to launch the program that will provide universal access to surfing for kids with physical challenges, while continuing a meaningful legacy for Junior Seau.  This partnership supports CAF's mission to give people with physical challenges the opportunity to pursue an active lifestyle through physical fitness and competitive athletics, in this case, surfing.

CAF is proud to partner with Hurley and the City of Del Mar Lifeguards in the Junior Seau Foundation Adaptive Surf Program presented by CAF.

For more information, go to challengedathletes.org

SOURCE Challenged Athletes Foundation