October 16, 2007 (Toronto, ON) “” This month, Toronto can cheer on its local resident as Alan Jette cycles 600 miles towards his goal of helping raise over $1 million for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) in the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge (MDC). The group of 100 riders will begin the epic seven-day ride from San Francisco on Oct. 20 “” stopping in Santa Cruz, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Marina del Rey and Newport Beach “” before concluding in San Diego on Oct. 26. The hard work and fundraising efforts of the MDC riders will be recognized in a special presentation at 2 p.m. PST at the finish line.

“The Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge and the Challenged Athletes Foundation have helped people in dozens of countries,” said Alan Jette, event participant from Toronto. “You can do anything you put your mind to, and I am happy to support CAF in spreading that message.”

CAF is a unique nonprofit organization that helps physically challenged athletes around the world live healthier, fuller lives by providing them with critical funding for specialized equipment, training and competition expenses. The support from CAF allows them to overcome economic barriers that often make participation in athletics cost-prohibitive for those with physical challenges.

“With more than 35 million people living with a physical challenge in the United States, the riders in the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge are not only improving their lives, but are giving others the chance to increase their self-esteem and independence.” said Jeffrey Essakow, co-founder of the Challenged Athletes Foundation and a driving force behind the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge. “The second annual ride will help raise money to build a CAF headquarters, which will serve as a beacon of hope for challenged athletes around the world and will allow us to increase the number of people we are able to support.”

In recognition of the ride, the Senate of the State of California and the Assembly unanimously passed Senate Resolution No. 66, declaring Oct. 20-28 to be Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge Commemorative Week. “I applaud the efforts of Qualcomm and the Challenged Athletes Foundation for their continued promotion of athletics. This event will make a large positive impact on the lives of so many,” said State Senator Mark Wyland. “I congratulate all the participants for both their generosity and determination on behalf of such a worthwhile cause.”

To participate in the MDC, each rider must raise $10,000 for CAF. The funds will help seed a capital campaign for a headquarters facility for CAF and will provide additional specialized equipment, training and support to physically challenged athletes. Eight of the physically challenged athletes supported by CAF will also be participating in the event, helping change perceptions about what physically challenged athletes can accomplish. The drive, desire and dedication demonstrated by all the MDC riders have already made an impact, particularly with MDC Title Sponsor Qualcomm. Additional event sponsors include Hoehn Motors, Temecula Valley Bank, AAD Capital and La Jolla Spa MD.

“After spending time with some of the riders in last year’s event, my admiration of the challenged athletes’ inner strength and appreciation for life has only grown,” said Jeff Jacobs of Rancho Santa Fe, executive vice president and president of global development for Qualcomm, and chairman of the event. “The perseverance of these athletes is truly inspiring and I am glad to have the chance to celebrate their triumph in raising more than $1 million for CAF.”

To learn more about the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge, visit www.cyclemdc.com or call Kristine Entwistle at 858-558-RIDE (7433). For more information about CAF, go to www.challengedathletes.org.