2023 GNT Charity – Challenge Alaska

The Gold Nugget Triathlon Board of Directors have chosen Challenge Alaska as this year’s charity of choice.

Challenge Alaska is dedicated to improving the lives of Alaskans living with disabilities. They offer adaptive sports, therapeutic recreation, and education. Participation in Challenge Alaska’s programs helps people break down the barriers that may exist for them in many aspects of life. They accomplish this by building confidence and security, creating an infrastructure for support, increasing mobility, and improving health. Challenge Alaska’s mission promotes education, social development and involvement, employment, and the ultimate goal of independence.

Challenge Alaska and triathlon: Challenge Alaska is currently working with one athlete striving to become the first completely blind Alaskan to complete a full Ironman triathlon in 2023 or 2024.

In 2022, Challenge Alaska provided services to over 850 Alaskans living with disability in over 30 different adaptive sports and recreation programs with services being delivered on nearly every calendar day. These programs include activities such as para-cycling, running, swimming, Alpine skiing, Nordic Skiing, waterskiing, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair lacrosse, tennis, pickleball, and sled hockey. Challenge Alaska clientele span all disability types and age ranges, with demographic data closely mirror the diversity of Southcentral Alaska. They have dedicated programming for Veterans living with disability as well as partnerships with local school districts to provide para-sports programming for elementary and secondary education students. Challenge Alaska programs wouldn’t be possible without the 250 to 350 volunteers who provide services every year.

Racers and event supporters are encouraged to make a donation to this important organization. The GNT will match up to $2,500 in donations.