Desert Challenge Regional Games began in the early 1980’s with a small group of track athletes from MASD competing against track athletes from Tucson, AZ. In 1990, Desert Challenge Regional Games grew to include swimming and weightlifting. In 1991, Desert Challenge was held at Arizona State University and was the Far West Regional qualifying event. Desert Challenge competition grew again to include Archery, Table Tennis and Rifle Shoot. In 1997 the Desert Challenge organizing committee hosted Junior Nationals. The Desert Challenge organizing committee also hosted the 2008 Paralympic Track and Field Trials.