The Cordani Family Scholarship Fund

Achilles International is committed to breaking down barriers to the start line for athletes with disabilities. For many of our athletes with disabilities, life-changing race weekends can be financially out of reach, due to high travel and entry costs. For over a decade, David Cordani, Chairman and CEO, The Cigna Group, has shared a cherished bond with the military veterans of the Achilles Freedom Team, from rolling out the red carpet at major race weekends to even running as a guide with his children. The transformative impact of his financial support on the lives of military veterans with disabilities and their families, inspired his latest effort to fund even more start lines.

Thanks to the generosity of The Cordani Family Scholarship Fund, Achilles is pleased to now provide funding for athletes and athlete-guide teams (U.S.-based civilians) to help cover race related expenses such as transportation, race entry fees and hotel accommodations. Applications are now open through INSERT DEADLINE DATE. A second application period will open later in the year for 2026 races. Learn more below and apply.

Types of Scholarships

Travel Race Scholarships for participation in a select Achilles race:

• Up to $1,000 for an athlete

• Up to $1,500 for an athlete-guide combination

Groundbreaking Scholarships for participation in a once in a lifetime, major destination race:

• Up to $4,000 grant for a single athlete

• Up to $6,000 grant for an athlete-guide combination

Scholarships can only be used for race registration fees, hotels and race related travel expenses.

Selection Criteria

Athletes must be an active member of their chapter and registered on Rosterfy. Selection will be based on financial need, training commitment, Achilles workout attendance, and letter of recommendation from an Achilles chapter lead. Please note, applicants must secure their own race entry through the race organizer. Applicants are also responsible for coordinating their own travel accommodations if selected for a scholarship.

Applications are due by TIME, DAY, DATE.

If awarded a scholarship, athletes will be asked to provide detailed receipts. Funds will not be directly transferred to athletes, Achilles Chapter Leads will receive and distribute the funds accordingly.

This is open to U.S. civilian athletes with disabilities. Are you a member of the U.S. military living with a disability? Learn more about opportunities with the Achilles Freedom Team.

How To Apply

Applicants, who must be existing U.S. based members in Rosterfy, are required to:

• Complete the application in Rosterfy here. You will be asked to share details such as which race, type of scholarship, what participation in the race means to you and a letter of recommendation. [View sample here]

If you have any questions or need assistance filling out this form, please contact Elisehva Jasie at ejasie@achillesinternational.org.