EoS Fitness recently presented a $110,000 check to San Diego-based Challenged Athletes Foundation, a nonprofit providing opportunities to, and support for, people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles and competitive sports.

Partnering with CAF for the past three years, California EoS with three San Diego County facilities, including one at 3156 Sports Arena Blvd. in the Midway District, has raised a total of nearly $350,000 for CAF athletes.

Funds raised by EoS for CAF were a result of the gym’s companywide fundraising efforts as the title sponsor of Tour de Cove, a 4 ½-hour cyclethon that is part of CAF’s Community Challenge Weekend in San Diego. This year, more than 60 riders gathered for the ’90s dance party-themed cyclethon on Oct. 22, riding either the whole duration of the event or in relay teams overlooking Mission Bay.

The high-energy fundraiser was led by EoS group fitness instructors who taught a variety of different mini-cycle classes side-by-side with CAF athletes. Hand cycles and other adaptive equipment were available to participants supporting physically disabled athletes by eliminating fitness barriers.

“This is one of our most anticipated and personally fulfilling events of the year,” said Shilpi Sullivan, EoS Fitness chief marketing officer. “Not only did our EoS Fitness community of members and team members rally around this year’s fundraising efforts to help us raise over $100,000, but everyone came together to celebrate and cheer on CAF athletes who are pushing themselves every single day to be better through physical activity and competition. We’re honored to be the place where CAF athletes can focus on achieving their health and fitness goals.”

Kristine Entwistle, chief executive officer of CAF, which this year is celebrating its 30th anniversary, said the nonprofit is blessed to have a partnership with EoS that is blossoming benefiting both organizations. “They’ve helped raise funds for us and we’re able, through their support, for our athletes to have memberships in their clubs,” Entwistle noted. “Our partnership demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and paves the way for individuals with physical disabilities to engage in the joy of fitness. Together, we are breaking down barriers, opening doors, and empowering challenged athletes to pursue their athletic passions.”

The gym supports CAF athletes year-round, sponsoring free memberships to EōS gyms as part of CAF’s grant program, being utilized by more than 60 CAF athletes nationwide.

Entwistle pointed out the support is especially helpful given that “adaptive sports equipment and prosthetics are not covered by insurance, unlike a walking leg or a wheelchair, because they are considered a luxury item. Those items are cost-prohibitive running as much as $15,000 to $30,000 for a specialized running prosthetic. Even handcycles are $5,000, difficult for a family to afford.”

Sullivan noted its enduring partnership with CAF is “incredibly fulfilling for us all.” She added the partnership “is a true reflection of EoS’ core values and our goal to bring inclusive active lifestyles to all. Everybody should have access to fitness, and we love that we’re able to provide that.”

CHALLENGED ATHLETES FOUNDATION

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) empowers individuals with physical disabilities to embrace vibrant, active lives. CAF firmly believes that engaging in physical activity, regardless of one’s ability level, fosters self-esteem, encourages independence, and enriches the quality of life. Since its inception in 1994, CAF has raised over $159 million and fulfilled 44,000 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 to provide opportunities and support to those who aspire to lead active, athletic lifestyles. To learn more, visit challengedathletes.org.