For World TEAM, whose mission is to provide inclusive athletic events for adaptive athletes, partnering with the Marlowe Foundation for their third annual Marlowe Challenge was a natural fit. The Foundation was created by Steve and Laura Roge and their longtime friend Ed Krayer, after the Roges made a decision when their daughter Marlowe was born with Down syndrome: she would grow up in a world built for her to thrive, not just get by. Today, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that share that vision by creating inclusive communities, expanding access to opportunity, and shifting perceptions for individuals with IDD and other physical disabilities.
On a crisp, beautiful Saturday morning on September 12, World TEAM joined a community of cyclists at The Fenn School in Concord, Massachusetts, for the Marlowe Challenge, assisting with event set up, rider check-in, and rest stop logistics.
The Challenge provided riders with the option of “choosing their challenge”: 100 miles or 50. Both groups would begin and end their ride at the Fenn School in Concord. At 7:00 AM, the 100-mile riders rolled out from the start line. At 9:30 AM, a second group set off on the 50-mile route. Both routes wound through central Massachusetts, including historic Revolutionary War country and the apple-orchard hills of Worcester County. The 100-milers also tackled the iconic summit of Mount Wachusett before returning to Concord.
Riding the 50 mile route was WTS President and CEO, Jon Brideau. “We were honored to join the Marlowe Foundation for their third annual challenge,” said Jon. “We share the same mission and goal for the future: a world with more open doors for individuals with disabilities, especially within athletics.”
At the finish, supporters, volunteers, and friends waited under the tent with cheers, hugs, and challenge coins for every rider. For many, the day was about refusing to quit when the going got tough. It was a small reminder of the resilience shown every day by people with disabilities. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a post-ride meal from Scott Brothers BBQ.
But the day wasn’t over. Adaptive bikes provided by Waypoint Adventure and AccesSports America let adaptive riders with IDD and other physical disabilities complete several long loops around the Fenn School campus. Even Marlowe, who had never been on a bike before, found the courage to hop on and ride for the first time. Her smile said it all. It was the kind of moment we work toward at every World TEAM event, where the finish line belongs to everyone.
The Marlowe Challenge has raised $80K so far, and donations for the 2026 challenge are open through November 1. Proceeds go to local nonprofits doing life-changing work, and we’re proud that World TEAM is among them, alongside Zeno Mountain Farm, Waypoint Adventure, AccesSport America, Wellesley STARS, and Athletes Unlimited Newton.
