Scottsdale, AZ — January 30, 2026 — Tomorrow, World TEAM will welcome athletes, veterans, volunteers, and supporters to Scottsdale for the 2026 World TEAM Challenge: Valley of the Sun, an inclusive cycling event that unites adaptive and able-bodied riders for a powerful day of community, resilience, and connection through sport.
On Saturday, January 31, 50 riders, including 19 adaptive riders, will depart from Osaic’s headquarters in Scottsdale to complete a 50-mile cycling challenge through the Sonoran Desert, finishing in Cave Creek—celebrating World TEAM’s mission of creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
The ride will be sent off by Craig McKee, ABC15 anchor and U.S. Air Force veteran, whose presence is especially meaningful as adaptive veteran athletes and civilians ride side by side. McKee will be on site to help launch the event and share the inspiring stories that define this weekend.
The weekend begins tonight with a Kickoff Reception on Friday, January 30, at the world-renowned Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, where participants and supporters will gather ahead of tomorrow’s ride.
“This event is about far more than the miles,” said Jon Brideau, President & CEO of World TEAM. “It’s about inclusion, perseverance, and the power of bringing people of all abilities together. Tomorrow’s ride is a reminder that sport can strengthen communities and empower athletes to redefine what’s possible.”
The event is presented with support from The Osaic Foundation, whose partnership helps make Valley of the Sun possible for adaptive athletes and veterans traveling from across the country. The 2026 event is co-chaired by Erinn Ford and Kirsten Kimmell of Osaic, whose leadership has helped bring the World TEAM community together in Arizona once again.
“It’s an incredibly meaningful and humbling experience to support our veterans and adaptive athletes,” said Stacy O’Keeffe, President and Chair of the Osaic Foundation. “We’re deeply grateful to everyone from the Osaic community—including our affiliated financial advisors, employees, and Foundation team members—who come together to support this event. Sharing this journey alongside one another not only creates lasting relationships but also deepens our understanding of how we can better support the remarkable individuals who have served our country.”
World TEAM extends special thanks to Todd Desberg, Patrick Brennan, and Stacy O’Keeffe, along with the entire Osaic team, for their continued commitment to inclusion and to the adaptive athletes who make this event so impactful.
World TEAM also proudly recognizes the local cycling partners whose support makes this inclusive ride possible. Special thanks to Tommy and his team at Sun Cyclery for providing adaptive recumbent bicycles and helping ensure that athletes of all abilities have the equipment and support to ride together today. World TEAM is deeply grateful to Jamie, Joe Brown, and the entire McDowell Mountain Cycles team and rider community, many of whom are volunteering and serving as marshals to support athletes throughout today’s event.
Now in its third year, the World TEAM Challenge: Valley of the Sun continues to grow as a signature cycling event that showcases the strength, determination, and unity of the World TEAM community—adaptive and able-bodied, veteran and civilian—riding side by side.
About World TEAM
World TEAM uses inclusive athletic events to empower and inspire athletes of all abilities.
www.worldteamsports.org
About Osaic Inc.
Osaic Inc. is a leading provider of wealth management solutions supporting nearly 11,000 financial professionals nationwide. The Osaic Foundation, launched in 2023, empowers communities through hands-on volunteerism, education, and workforce development.
www.osaic.com
Media Contact
Alex Nadler
Marketing & Communications Director, World TEAM
anadler@worldteamsports.org
