Honoring Legacy: A Charity Tournament in San Diego Supporting ALS Research
This March, fitness enthusiasts and industry leaders will unite in San Diego not just to showcase athleticism, but to honor the legacies of Rick Caro and Augie Nieto in the ongoing battle against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS is hosting a special charity golf tournament on March 16 at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe, aimed at raising funds for essential ALS research, including a new program called Champions Insights.
Augie Nieto, one of the co-founders and former CEO of Life Fitness, passed away in 2023 after a courageous battle with ALS. Together with his wife, Lynne, he laid the foundation for Augie’s Quest, driven by the belief that accepting an incurable diagnosis wasn’t an option. This initiative has evolved from a personal quest into a collective industry effort, rallying support from friends and colleagues in the fitness community to advance ALS research.
ALS is a progressive neurological condition that impacts the nerve cells controlling muscle movement. As these motor neurons deteriorate, individuals may gradually lose the ability to walk, speak, eat, and ultimately, breathe independently.
Funds raised from the tournament will support Augie’s Quest and its research endeavors, including the Champions Insights program. Announced last August, this initiative seeks to understand why ALS is diagnosed disproportionately—by approximately 25%—among particular populations, such as military personnel, first responders, and elite athletes.
The Champion Insights program began recruiting last year, using remote methods to gather blood samples and clinical data from high-achieving athletes and military members diagnosed with ALS.
“Augie Nieto understood that true progress stems from inspiration and drive,” stated Shannon K. Shryne, co-founder and president of Augie’s Quest. “As a visionary athlete, he advocated for unconventional approaches that pushed boundaries and aimed higher. Champion Insights embodies this ethos, diving deeper into the biological factors that may explain ALS risks in communities similar to Augie’s. Our goal is to provide the essential support for groundbreaking initiatives like this.”
The golf tournament will also pay tribute to Rick Caro, a highly esteemed figure in the fitness landscape who passed away in August 2023. Caro was instrumental in the establishment of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), now known as the Health & Fitness Association, and served in various leadership roles throughout his career in the fitness industry.
Major sponsors for the tournament include esteemed organizations such as Bay Club, Life Fitness, WellnessSpace Brands, and more. Bay Club president and CEO Matthew Stevens expressed heartfelt sentiments, stating, “Augie and Rick were invaluable to the Bay Club community, both personally and professionally. Their influence on our industry is immeasurable.”
Stevens further emphasized the significance of the event: “This tournament not only honors their contributions but also fosters community spirit and supports Augie’s Quest in its mission against ALS.”
Attendees can enjoy various amenities at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, including the pool, pickleball courts, and tennis facilities. Foursome slots will be available starting February 2026, alongside numerous sponsorship opportunities.
“This occasion is not just about sports; it is a heartfelt homage to two pioneering figures—Rick Caro and my late husband Augie Nieto—who reshaped the fitness industry,” shared Lynne Nieto, chair of Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS. “We are incredibly thankful to the Bay Club for their partnership in making this meaningful event a reality.”
In closing, this charity tournament is more than just a day filled with sports; it’s about rallying together to honor legacies that continue to inspire change and advance research. By participating or supporting this event, you contribute to a vital cause while celebrating the remarkable impacts made by Augie Nieto and Rick Caro. Let’s come together to strengthen our community and push toward a future where ALS research can thrive.
