About

Operation Rebound provides unparalleled sports opportunities and support to our troops and veterans of any branch of service and first responders who have served honorably and have suffered permanent physical injuries.
Program Description:

In 2004, CAF recognized a critical need among the brave members of our armed forces returning from recent conflicts who had suffered permanent physical disabilities - such as an amputation -- in combat. That need was for mentorship and community with athletes who had prevailed over similar circumstances and shared similar experiences. It became part of CAF's mission to help show injured service members that they could be whole again through participation in sports - at any level.

CAF established Operation Rebound in 2004 as a valuable resource for service members and veterans who suffered permanent physical injuries in the Global War on Terror.

In June 2008, CAF extended the program to recognize the sacrifices of military veterans past and present as well as those of first responders such as law enforcement and firefighters who were the first to respond to the September 11, 2001 attacks on our nation. Unrestricted contributions now support all who have protected our freedom from military veterans of past eras to first responders who risk their lives daily to ensure the security of our homeland. The program is here to help them meet their athletic goals, whether it's finishing their local 5K, playing soccer with their family - or trying to make it to the Paralympics. CAF Operation Rebound is proud to support all who have served.

Initiatives:

• Grants. Offer grants for equipment not provided by the VA or DoD, training, travel, and coaching in any sport for active duty, honorably discharged veterans, and first responders whose injuries, not necessarily ability, meet the criteria for Paralympic participation.

• Military Medical Center Physical Training Program (MMCPT). The intent of the MMCPT program is to provide a structured physical training program for active duty service members who are continuing treatments and recovering from permanent physical injuries at military medical centers. CAF will provide coaches for running, swimming, biking, and strength and conditioning who will work in concert with resident prosthetists, recreational therapists, and medical hold unit commanders to ensure that physical training is done in compliance with individualized rehabilitation programs and applicable military regulations.

• Sports Clinics. Sports clinics are designed to introduce beginner athletes to various sports such as bicycling, handcycling, running, swimming, basketball and other sports. CAF elite athletes will provide coaching and mentorship at sports clinics. Sports clinics are held throughout the calendar year and may take place at military medical centers as well other locations within the community. Often times, sports clinics will be sponsored by CAF's Catch A Rising Star program that is open to both military and non-military challenged athletes.

• On-Line Forum. The on-line forum is a place where Operation Rebound members/participants can stay connected with fellow wounded servicemembers and their families. Topics are selected by wounded service members and conversations are grown through participation throughout the country and the world. The forum will be facilitated by the Operation Rebound Program Manager and experienced CAF athletes will lead discussions on a number of topics.

Program Goals:

• Reach out to wounded service members and veterans, primarily through site visits, using both successful challenged athletes and disabled U.S. military veterans, to provide education about “what is possible".

• Foster dialogue, through both direct and indirect means, and serve as a resource that can help answer questions for service members and veterans suffering permanent disabilities.

• Inspire injured American service members and veterans to become active and physically fit through participation in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge and other CAF events throughout the year.

Athletes:

• Beginner athletes. Beginner athletes are Operation Rebound’s core focus. They will be introduced to Operation Rebound through sports clinics, physical training sessions at military medical centers, and by attending and viewing events such as the San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC). Beginner athletes will also be encouraged to take part in the Operation Rebound on-line forum where they may discuss with more experienced challenged athletes the ins-and-outs of beginning and progressing as a physically challenged person in sports and other activities.

• Intermediate athletes. Athletes who participate regularly in competitive races and events will be considered intermediate athletes and will be matched with a mentor and receive on-line and/or other appropriate coaching. Intermediate athletes will be supported to participate in various races and events that are commensurate with their respective ability levels. Intermediate athletes will also be encouraged to mentor beginner athletes and take part in the Operation Rebound on-line forum where they may offer their insights and gain further knowlege from experienced challenged athletes.

• Elite athletes. Athletes who regularly compete at a high level in competitive races and events. Elite athletes will be sponsored by CAF Operation Rebound to participate in designated races and events and provide mentorship to other CAF athletes both through in-person and on-line mentoring.

Eligibility:
Participation in Operation Rebound is open to any honorably discharged U.S. service member, veteran, or first responder who has suffered a permanent physical disability - such as loss of a limb(s), sight, or spinal cord injury.
To get started, please visit the resource box at the top of the page to download an application. For questions, or to be mailed or faxed a copy of the application, please call our Operation Rebound Program Manager, Nico Marcolongo at 858.526.6564, or email him at: nico@challengedathletes.org.

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