20th October 2025
Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Adaptive Sports Equipment Grant makes it possible for sporting enthusiasts and athletes with limb differences to pursue their sporting goals.
For many athletes with upper limb differences, the greatest challenge may not be finding the motivation to train, but in getting access to the right equipment. That’s why the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) created the Adaptive Sports Equipment Grant, designed to bridge the gap between potential and performance.
The grant helps athletes with permanent physical disabilities access high-quality, sport-specific equipment that enables them to compete, train, and stay active. Thanks to CAF’S support, more people can access prosthetic technology like the Hero Flex and activity attachments to pursue their sporting goals.
We’re proud to help sporting enthusiasts at every level, from beginners rediscovering movement to Paralympians in training, gain access to adaptive prosthetic technology through CAF grants.
Torie is a quadruple amputee training toward the LA 2028 Paralympic Games, who received funding for both of her Hero Flex activity arms through CAF last year.
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“Think of any sport you want to try, CAF will find a way to accommodate you,” she said. “There’s a clinic for everything, running, golf, cycling, and an incredible support network behind it.”
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With her Hero Flexes, Torie alternates between running, biking, and swimming as part of her triathlon training. Her story shows how the right technology, combined with CAF’s support, can help athletes stay active, independent, and unstoppable.
The CAF Adaptive Sports Equipment Grant can fund both Hero Flex devices as well as Activity Attachments to help you meet your training goals. If you already use a Hero PRO or Hero RGD, your adaptive training journey has just begun. The Hero Flex Ecosystem allows you to swap your bionic hand for sport-specific attachments in seconds, so you can lift, climb, cycle, row, or train with confidence using the same arm.
Each Hero Flex Activity Attachment is engineered for real-world performance and durability. They feature titanium hardware (1/2″-20 UNF thread bolt and USMC-compatible nut) for exceptional strength, along with premium Nylon PA12 and flexible TPU for high load capacity and waterproof performance. The interchangeable design allows users to move seamlessly between a Hero myoelectric hand and sport-specific tools, making training and recreation more accessible than ever. Check out the list of Activity Attachments below:
Whether you’re training for competition or rediscovering your favorite activity, CAF’s Adaptive Sports Equipment Grant can fund the right Activity Attachments to help you unlock new levels of performance
To qualify for a CAF Adaptive Sports Equipment Grant, applicants must:
Applicants under 18 may apply every 3 years, while those 18 and older may apply every 5 years.
Grants are competitive, so it’s important to tell your story and share how adaptive technology helps you stay active, independent, and motivated. If you’re interested in applying or want to learn more about the process, our clinical team is here to help.
When 11-year-old Kiowa received funding for his Hero Flex Activity Attachments through the CAF Adaptive Sports Equipment Grant, it opened new possibilities for how he can stay active.
Kiowa was born with a limb difference on his left side. He spends his days biking, riding horses, and practicing taekwondo. His mother, Nicole, worked with the Open Bionics Los Angeles clinic to complete the application process.
Today, Kiowa uses his Hero Flex and attachments to bike, train archery, and create with greater independence. “He’s always been capable,” Nicole said. “This just gives him more freedom to do what he loves.”
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“Honestly, we wouldn’t have completed it the way we did without their help,” Nicole said. “I also shared a lot of photos of my son doing the sports and activities mentioned in the application, and that probably helped.”
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Open Bionics clinicians across the U.S. have extensive experience guiding patients through the CAF grant application process. Keep in mind, the CAF 2026 Annual Grant application window closes November 14, 2025 at 5 PM Pacific Time.
Connect with your local Open Bionics clinic to get started today.
CAF partners with top manufacturers to offer more than 90 adaptive sports products through preferred vendors. However, athletes can also apply for funding up to $3,500 for equipment not available through those vendors.
That means Open Bionics users can include an Activity Attachment quote directly in their application. If approved, CAF sends the funds directly to you for purchase.
View Grant Details & Apply on CAF’s Website
With the Hero Flex Ecosystem, you no longer need multiple prosthetic arms for different activities. One arm does it all, combining body power and bionic power in a single system.
The CAF Adaptive Sports Equipment Grant helps make that possible, supporting athletes who are ready to move, compete, and live without limits. Want to see how the Hero Flex and Activity Attachments work in person? Our clinical teams across the U.S. offer in-clinic and virtual demos to help you explore your options and learn how to apply for CAF funding.
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