Albee Granillo isn’t interested in being labeled. Born with spina bifida, he’s known not for what he navigates—but for what he conquers. 

A talented athlete, student, and musician from Escondido, CA, Albee—known by friends as “Albee”—throws a mean curve ball, keeps pace with classmates on the court and track, and even line dances with flair. Whether he’s hitting home runs or helping his little brother stay on task, he’s a force of nature fueled by determination and love for sport. 

Albee Granillo’s Journey to Confidence, Competition, and an Unforgettable Surprise 

His favorite arena? The skatepark. Albee has been skating and surfing for years, and in the world of WCMX (Wheelchair Motocross), he’s found his passion. This year, when no local adaptive skate events were available, he didn’t wait around—he entered the Hot Wheels Nitro Circus tour, competing alongside 100+ able-bodied skaters. He didn’t win, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was showing up, pushing his limits, and leaving more determined than ever to rise. 

Albee dreams of finding a consistent WCMX team—athletes with disabilities who match his drive. For now, he trains solo, but his spirit is never alone. “These WCMX chairs give me access to everything, including confidence,” he says. The right equipment doesn’t just help him compete—it helps him thrive. 

A Day to Remember: Meeting Drew Brees and CAF Heroes 

One Thursday afternoon, Albee’s ordinary school day took a wild turn. His dad picked him up early with a mystery destination in mind. “We have a surprise,” he said, “and we need to beat traffic.” 

That surprise? An unforgettable visit to the Challenged Athletes Foundation headquarters—where Albee was greeted not just by his mom, but by Team USA Paralympic gold medalists Steve Serio (Wheelchair Basketball) and Bethany Zummo (Sitting Volleyball). If that wasn’t surreal enough, he soon learned that NFL legend and Super Bowl champion Drew Brees was in the gym next door. 

What followed felt like a dream: watching Drew sit down for interviews and challenges with the Paralympians, laughing and learning from them, and finally, being invited to join the camera setup himself. 

With cameras rolling, Drew Brees presented Albee with a life-changing gift: a grant from CAF and Smoothie King to cover the cost of a custom skate chair from Colours—exactly what Albee needed to keep progressing in WCMX. 

To top off the day, Albee joined a star-studded game of H.O.R.S.E., trading tips with Steve Serio and sinking eight shots in a row. “I’m still wondering how I managed to keep my consciousness while I was doing so,” he laughed. 

What’s Next for Albee 

With a new skate chair on the way, Albee is more motivated than ever. His goals? Push the limits of WCMX, find a team that drives him, and keep proving—to himself and the world—that anything is possible. 

Albee inspires not because of his challenges—but because of his choices. He chooses resilience. He chooses joy. And every time he rolls into a skatepark or a school hallway, he’s choosing to rise.