The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and Össur, a global leader
in prosthetics, are proud to announce they have granted 115 new
prosthetic sports feet and knees to people of all ages with limb
loss and limb differences as part of CAF's landmark 30th annual
Grant Distribution.
Since the start of their partnership, which spans nearly three
decades, CAF and Össur have been committed to enhancing mobility
for athletes through state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive
support, providing over 1,700 sports prosthetics over the years.
The 2024 grant recipients include remarkable people like Parker
Byrd, who made history as the first Division 1 collegiate baseball
player with a prosthetic leg, and 14-year-old Ryleigh Farson, a
determined high school athlete who is aiming to return to multiple
sports after a life-altering accident.
"Össur shares CAF’s commitment to improving the lives of people
with physical disabilities, particularly when it comes to improving
the mobility of those with limb loss and limb difference with
advanced sports prosthetics technology,” said Tabi King, Vice
President of Marketing & OPS at Össur. “Together, we are
transforming lives and creating a community where people can
continue to pursue a life without limitations."
Integral to the success of these grants are the prosthetists who
work tirelessly behind the scenes, King added. “These skilled
medical professionals also contribute their time and effort,
working closely with grantees to ensure each prosthesis is ideally
tailored to meet the athlete's mobility needs. The Össur and CAF
grant program would not be possible without the dedication and
commitment of these prosthetic experts, who help turn possibilities
into realities.”
2024 Össur + CAF Running and Mobility Clinics Scheduled
Across U.S.
Continuing their commitment to supporting athletes in their
mobility goals, CAF and Össur are hosting five Running and Mobility
Clinics. These clinics provide expert coaching, mentorship, and a
supportive environment for individuals with lower limb differences
to enhance their skills. Each clinic features renowned experts
such as gait specialist Robert Gailey, Ph.D., PT, and Team USA
Paralympians Jamie Brown and Eric McElvenny who offer inspiration
and practical guidance.
This year, Össur + CAF Running and Mobility Clinics will
be held in key cities across the U.S., including:
DATE
CITY/STATE
LOCATION
Saturday, June 8
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Tech: E. Roe Stamps IV FieldSaturday, Aug.
17 San Francisco, CA
Oracle Park, Home of the SF GiantsSaturday,
Sept 28 Columbus,
OH
Historic Crew StadiumSaturday, Oct
5 New
Brunswick, NJ Rutgers University: Skelly
Field Saturday,
Nov 2 San
Diego, CA Mission
Bay
"By hosting these Clinics, we aim to empower more individuals to
pursue sports and physical activities confidently," said Lauren
Gerrbi, Director of Regional Programs at CAF. "Our partnership with
Össur is crucial in bringing these opportunities to life, helping
us create a world where physical disabilities pose no barrier to
participation and excellence in sports."
Highlights of Össur’s 2024 Grantees Include:
Ryleigh Farson of Solomon, KSGranted Prosthesis:
Össur Flex-RunSport: BasketballBio: After a UTV
accident led to a below-the-knee amputation, 14-year-old Ryleigh is
a determined athlete who aims to return to her high school
volleyball, basketball, and track teams thanks to the support of a
CAF grant. Her dedication to sports has fostered resilience and a
strong team spirit, qualities she's eager to bring back to the
court and field.
Parker Byrd of Greenville NCGranted Prosthesis:
Össur Cheetah XcelSport: BaseballBio: Parker Byrd, a
highly recruited high school baseball player, lost his right leg
below the knee in a tubing accident in July 2022, just months
before embarking on his freshman year at East Carolina University.
Undeterred by adversity, Byrd courageously returned to the field
and made history by becoming the first Division 1 baseball player
with a prosthetic leg. Committed to his sports and scholarship
dreams, the 20-year-old athlete aspires to compete as a Paralympian
after completing his collegiate baseball career.
Takira Koonce of Miami, FLGranted Prosthesis:
Össur Cheetah XcelSport: Track & FieldBio:
Sports have always been a big and positive part of Takira’s life.
After experiencing COVID-related heart failure, which led to the
deterioration of muscle in her left leg, she underwent amputation.
With her grant for an Össur sports prosthesis, she is ready to set
new athletic goals and enjoy running again.
Sam Beveridge of Centennial, COGranted Prosthesis:
Össur Cheetah XceedSports: Running, CyclingBio: After
suffering a gunshot wound to his leg while waterfowl hunting in
2022, Sam began resuming activities the very first day after his
amputation with cycling, CrossFit, swimming, and yoga. As he
continues healing, his lofty goals include completing his 13th
Leadville 100 this year, competing in the Para-National Road Race,
and completing full and half marathons.
Mike Morita of Aiea, HI Granted Prosthesis: Össur
Cheetah XcelSport: SurfingBio: After a life-altering
shark attack led to the amputation of his right leg, Morita was
determined to return to work as a high school football coach,
completing his 19th season on the gridiron. An avid surfer for over
50 years, he now seeks to embrace the waves again, with
appreciation for his surfing gift and the supportive community that
saved him during the attack.
Media Kit here: Media Images & Video
Össur and CAF also recognize the Certified Prosthetist practices
who have graciously donated their time and services to support the
grant recipients, including Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics;
RISE Prosthetics & Orthotics; Prosthetic Innovations; Davidson
Prosthetics; Medical Center Orthotics & Prosthetics; Eastside
Orthotics & Prosthetics; Southern California Prosthetics;
Hanger Clinic; Lerman and Son Orthotics & Prosthetics;
Prosthetic Orthotic Associates; David Rotter Prosthetics; and Scott
Sabolich Prosthetics and Research.
About Össur
Össur is a leading global provider of prosthetics and bracing
and supports solutions and is part of Embla Medical (Nasdaq
Copenhagen: EMBLA), which is home to several brands renowned for
positively impacting people’s health and well-being, including FIOR
& GENTZ, an innovative developer of neuro orthotics;
College Park, creators of custom-built prosthetic
solutions for people of all activity levels, and a vast
network of patient care clinics spread across multiple countries,
and operates from a unified mission of enabling a Life Without
Limitations® by improving people’s mobility. Since 1971, the
company has produced more than 2,100 patents and
numerous award-winning designs, and is renowned for advancing
the Orthotic & Prosthetic (O&P) industry. Additional
information about Össur is available at www.ossur.com, and about
Embla Medical at emblamedical.com
About the Challenged Athletes FoundationThe 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 the
quality of life. For 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 $178 million and fulfilled 48,000 funding requests from
people with physical disabilities across all 50 states and more
than 73 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.
# # # #
- Chase Merriweather learns mobility skills at the Össur &
CAF Running and Mobility Clinic in Philadelphia
Christy Fritts
Challenged Athletes Foundation
858.442.9570
christy@challengedathletes.org