Adventure Teen Challenge

An Inclusive Adventure Specifically for Teenaged Competitors

Team members hike during the 2011 Adventure Teen Challenge. World T.E.A.M. Sports photograph.

The 2013 Adventure Teen Challenge

The 2013 Adventure Teen Challenge returns to the Washington, DC area in August, 2013. Additional information regarding the event will be added to this site in June, 2013.

The Inaugural 2011 Adventure Teen Challenge

The 2011 Challenge, presented with Push America and Dreams for Kids, was a unique and powerful outdoor sporting event for disabled and able-bodied Washington area teenagers.

The August 9-10 Adventure Teen Challenge brought together 19 teenagers aged 13 to 18, who worked together as teams, completing each stage of the multisport event to cross the finish line together. Held in Washington, D.C. and Potomac County, Maryland, in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park along the banks of the Potomac River, the Challenge included 8 teams. Each team consisted of one disabled and one able-bodied teen. Working together, the participants navigated an orienteering course, rode mountain bikes and finished with a canoe race.

The Adventure Teen Challenge is based on World T.E.A.M. Sports’ Adventure TEAM Challenge in Colorado, in which inclusive teams of disabled and non-disabled athletes work together to successfully complete several outdoor sporting challenges. Through such inclusive competition, disabled participants build confidence and serve as a role model for others, as well as inspiring all competitors.

Spectators at the Adventure Teen Challenge on August 10 cheered on the athletes.

Competitors will enjoy the gentle C&O Canal Trail. Photograph by Van Brinson.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

12:30 p.m.: Arrival at The Boathouse at Fletcher’s Cove, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

1:00 p.m.: Classes Begin – orienteering and map reading, basic First Aid, bike safety, canoeing and water safety

4:00 p.m.: Classes Completed

The C&O Canal Park offers numerous opportunities for riding. Photograph by Van Brinson.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

8:30 a.m.: Arrival at Carderock, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

10:00 a.m.: Challenge begins

2:00 p.m.: Challenge conclusion

2:30 p.m.: Awards ceremony

3:00 p.m.: Participants depart

Official 2011 Adventure Teen Challenge Results

Overall Champion:
TEAM 7 Brad (disabled competitor)
TEAM 7 Kendan
TEAM 7 Jhonatan

First Place Hike:

TEAM 1 Dashawn (disabled competitor)
TEAM 1 Ryan
TEAM 1 Glenda

First Place Bike:

TEAM 7 Brad (disabled competitor)
TEAM 7 Kendan
TEAM 7 Jhonatan

First Place Canoe:

TEAM 2 Cortez (disabled competitor)
TEAM 2 Max
TEAM 2 Andrew

Exceptional Spirit Awards:

TEAM 4 Enjoshua (disabled competitor)
TEAM 4 Zack
TEAM 4 Kirby

TEAM 8 Jerry (disabled competitor)
TEAM 8 Cory
TEAM 8 Douglas
TEAM 8 Alex

Learn More About the 2011 Adventure Teen Challenge

Adventure Teen Challenge 2011 Flickr Gallery

Exceptional Teenage Athletes to Compete in Inaugural Adventure Teen Challenge (August 3, 2011)

Disabled Teens Discover Adventure in First Adventure Teen Challenge (August 15, 2011)

World T.E.A.M. Sports’ Winning Adventure Teen Challenge Empowers Children (October 17, 2011)

2011 Adventure Teen Challenge Sponsors

The Inaugural 2011 Adventure Teen Challenge enjoys the valuable support of the following companies.

Push America is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina and is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for people with disabilities. Originally created as the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the majority of Push America programs bring college fraternity men together with the disability community to participate in events highlighting the abilities of all people and providing leadership experiences unlike any other. Whether it is constructing accessible amenities at camps serving people with disabilities, raising funds through a cross-country cycling event, or teaming up to provide adaptive recreation opportunities, Push America impacts the lives of individuals in almost every state and every walk of life. Push America is committed to building leaders of tomorrow by serving people with disabilities today.

World T.E.A.M. Sports is partnering with the volunteer-based Washington, D.C. chapter of the non-profit Dreams for Kids to bring together teenagers with disabilities to participate in the Adventure Team Challenge. Founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1989, Dreams for Kids works with homeless and at-risk children, and with children with developmental and physical disabilities. The organization empowers children and breaks down social barriers to end isolation. Dreams for Kids provides children with opportunities to make a difference in local and global communities and be the solution instead of being seen as the problem.

The HSC Foundation is dedicated to improving access to services for individuals who face social and health care barriers due to disability, chronic illness, or other circumstances that present unique needs. The Foundation’s focus is on its Youth Transitions Initiative, a long-range project that supports young people and returning veterans with disabilities, in the Washington metropolitan area and beyond, to move from school to adulthood and into the world of work. The aim of the Initiative is to become a central resource in the field of youth transitions, filling gaps in information and providing support for organizations that are involved with transitioning youth, including youth-led organizations. The Initiative’s ultimate goal is to strengthen transition programs and services and stimulate other investments in the field.

The Dralla Foundation provides enrichment for the lives of children and adults with disabilities. This is accomplished through providing support of programs that help the disabled and allow them to fulfill their dreams or visions. This Rockaway, New Jersey organization provides grants that allow organizations to make a difference and inspire individuals and their families who struggle with physical disabilities.

Revolution Cycles was voted a Top 100 Bicycle Dealer In the United States for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010. Revolution Cycle’s commitment to service and excellence has resulted in their being selected as the official bike shop for maintaining and acquiring bicycling equipment for the United States Secret Service, including the White House, Naval Observatory and Foreign Mission divisions. Additionally, they provide the same services for several other law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Capitol Police, The National Institutes of Health, US Mint Police, George Washington University Police, sections of the National Park Service, and several local Washington metropolitan area police agencies.

Revolution’s customers come from all aspects of the cycling community, from children getting their first two wheeler, the racer looking to upgrade, couples considering their first new bike since college or the hard-working courier in need of a quick fix. Their customers are the backbone of the business and they appreciate the confidence their customers place in them to provide an outstanding experience. Revolution Cycles is certified as a Bicycle Friendly Business and a member of the National Bicycle Dealers Association.

Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.