World T.E.A.M., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals of all abilities through inclusive athletic programs, is excited to return to Arizona for the Valley of the Sun Challenge 2025. This challenge will bring together adaptive and able-bodied athletes for a transformative experience of teamwork, resilience, and achievement.
Event Details:
- Event Name: World T.E.A.M. Challenge: Valley of the Sun
- Date: February 1, 2025
- Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
- Participants: Adaptive athletes, able-bodied athletes, and volunteers
Valley of the Sun is a one-day, 38-mile cycling challenge that engages and empowers athletes of different abilities to pedal through the terrain of the Sonoran Desert. This inclusive event underscores World T.E.A.M.’s mission to break down barriers and showcase the abilities of all participants.
This year, World T.E.A.M. will also host a sunset reception the evening before the ride at the historical Taliesin West, the former winter home and studio of architectural legend Frank Lloyd Wright. Participants will enjoy light refreshment and drinks while taking in the stunning views of the McDowell Mountains. Tours of the property will also be available.
Rental bikes for athletes are provided by McDowell Mountain Cycles (https://mcdowellmountaincycles.com). The bike shop, located in Fountain Hills, AZ is also providing mechanical and marshaling services along the route.
A Mission of Inclusion
World T.E.A.M. has a long history of organizing events that inspire and empower individuals of all abilities. The Valley of the Sun Challenge continues this tradition by fostering connections, building confidence, and celebrating the incredible accomplishments of adaptive athletes alongside their able-bodied teammates.
“The Valley of the Sun Challenge embodies the spirit of unity and perseverance,” says Jon Brideau, President and CEO at World T.E.A.M. “This event not only showcases the incredible potential of adaptive sports but also serves as a reminder that when we work together, we can overcome any obstacle. We are grateful for the support of the Osaic Foundation and the advisors that are riding alongside our athletes.”
“This is a rewarding opportunity to personally support our veterans and adaptive athletes,” said Jeffrey Green, chairman of the Scottsdale-based Osaic Foundation, sponsor of the event. “Spending time together on the ride builds relationships and is a meaningful way to connect, learn and grow in understanding of the challenges many of them face.”
Why It Matters
The event provides an opportunity for participants to challenge themselves physically and emotionally while forming lasting bonds. For adaptive athletes, it’s a chance to demonstrate their strength and resilience.
How to Get Involved
World T.E.A.M. invites the public to join the Valley of the Sun Challenge as participants, volunteers, or sponsors. Together, we can continue to create life-changing experiences and build a more inclusive world.
- Register to Participate: https://wtsevent.org/wtcvalleyofthesun/register/
- Volunteer Opportunities: https://wtsevent.org/wtcvalleyofthesun/volunteer/
- Sponsorship Information: https://worldteamsports.org/get-involved/sponsor-a-program/
About World T.E.A.M.
World T.E.A.M. brings adaptive and able-bodied athletes together by empowering, enabling and engaging individuals through inclusive athletic programs. For more than a quarter century, our organization has used athletics to challenge men, women and children with disabilities to accomplish goals they never thought possible. In all our programs we include both adaptive and able-bodied participants. For more information, visit www.worldteamsports.org.
About Osaic Foundation
Launched in 2023, the Osaic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation registered in Arizona. Its mission is to empower lives through experiential events that build thriving communities, education support that enriches financial literacy, and workforce development that increases diverse representation. It supports hands-on, grant-supported volunteerism across the country by employees of Osaic, Inc., and its affiliated financial professionals and staff. Osaic is a portfolio company of Reverence Capital Partners and one of the nation’s largest providers of wealth management strategies and solutions, supporting nearly 11,000 financial professionals. Osaic’s mission is to empower entrepreneurial advisors to build thriving businesses and fulfill their clients’ dreams. For more information, visit www.osaic.com.
