Image: BORP logo in blue and orange, a stylized drawing of person in a moving wheelchair plus the words BORP adaptive sports and recreation.

Haga clic aquí para ver este boletín en Español

Last week, I had the chance to speak on a groundbreaking panel at the Project Play Summit—the first time the event dedicated a session to how we can better include youth with disabilities in sports. It was energizing to see a packed room of people from across sectors, all ready to learn and engage with a topic—and a community—that has too often been overlooked in the broader sports world.

Just a few days later, I saw that message come to life on the court as I cheered on our BORP Bay Cruisers in their final games of the season. Sitting beside one player's father, he shared how much confidence his son had gained—just in this one season of playing. Later that same day, I joined our women’s wheelchair basketball team on the court and marveled at how far the Meteorites have come since our first practice in December with just six players. We’re now a squad of eleven—and growing.

At a time when the national news can feel despondent, this community reminds me that we still have the power to show up for each other—and that showing up matters. From the volunteers who baked enough brownies and sliced enough baguettes to feed a tournament, to the coaches staying up late sketching out game plans, to the preteen athletes encouraging teammates after every missed shot—BORP keeps choosing joy, care, and connection in our little corner of the world.

The strength of BORP has always come from our people. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just getting to know BORP, there’s a place for you here. So come join us—at a program, at the Rev kickoff BBQ this Friday (today!) at the Cycling Center, and hopefully at the Revolution Ride itself. This community thrives because of you. And no one but us has the power to keep that going.

Image: Photograph of 5 people on stage at the Project Play Sumit. Two people, including Emily, in wheelchairs. Emily is holding the mic and speaking.

March Madness: BORP Stye



March was full of wheelchair basketball excitement at BORP, with two action-packed tournaments that allowed together our Division III, youth, women's, and Berkeley and SF rec teams to compete, grow as a team, and show off their skills in front of home crowds. We’re already dreaming of next season—read more here.

Image: Photo of the youth wheelchair basketball team with 11 players in team jersey's and two coaches.

SCI Meet-up: Wednesday, April 16th!

TOPIC:  Community Share: Fundraising for equipment and other medical expenses. Bring your questions and share your experiences with obtaining grants and fundraising. This is a community led event.

We will possibly be joined virtually by the owner of Per4Max wheelchairs. Per4Max is a leading manufacturer of sports and everyday wheelchairs.

Date: Wednesday, April 16th

Time: 6pm-8pm

Location: Ed Roberts Campus, Berkeley (map)

This is an in person event. We will provide light dinner and beverages. Please register so we order the right amount of food!

For more info contact cynthia@borp.org

Image: A poster with images of people playing adaptive sports and the logos of various organizations and foundations that offer equipment grants

   FREE Community Canoeing Event Brought to you by BORP & the Canoemobile

Kick-off paddling season by touring the Aquatic Park lagoon in Wilderness Inquiry's extra large North Canoes! People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to attend! No paddling experience necessary. 

BORP Kayaking welcomes the Wilderness Inquiry’s Canoemobile to offer a FREE day of canoeing open to all! The Canoemobile is a touring fleet of 24-foot canoes and a crew of trained outdoor educators that travels across the country to connect communities to their local waterways. Each North canoe seats about 10 - 12 people, and staff are on-hand to assist as needed. This event is open to everyone, is free, and does not require a BORP membership.



Pre-registration online at this link, is encouraged though not required. Walk-ins welcome. 

Date: Friday April 25, 2025

Time: 2- 6 pm

Location: BORP Cycling & Kayaking Center, 80 Bolivar Dr, Berkeley

Info: Email kayak@borp.org with any questions. 

Image: Photo of 8 smiling people in a very large canoe down at Aquatic Park.

Power Soccer Rocks: Get Involved Today

Our Power Soccer Program is especially in need of extra hands! Practices are held every Saturday from 3–7 PM at James Kenney, and volunteers help with setup, equipment, and drills.

Curious to check out what this Our Shockers and Bombers will host a Power Soccer tournament on May 10th at James Kenney.

Volunteer Sign-up

Discover Adaptive Sports in SF

Join us for the SF Adaptive Sports Mini Fair on Friday, May 31, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Glen Park Rec Center (70 Elk St, San Francisco).

This hands-on event is your chance to learn and try out:

• Wheelchair Basketball
• Adaptive Cycling
• Adaptive Pickleball

Whether you're new to adaptive sports or looking to get more involved, all are welcome! This event is free and lunch is included.

Hosted by BORP and SF Recs and Park and sponsored by Sutter Health – CPMC Inpatient Rehab.

Image of a poster for the Adaptive Sports Mini Fair with images of BORP programs and info that's repeated in the article.

Fueling Access Through New Grants

Kayaking

We're excited to announce that BORP has been awarded a grant from the Beach Coastal Access Program in partnership with the California State Coastal Conservancy for adaptive kayaking supplies! 

Engaging Latino/a/x People with Disabilities

BORP received a Dana and Christopher Reeve Quality of Life Grant to support enhanced outreach and engagement with the Bay Area's Latino/a/x communities. Read the Press Release here.

23rd Annual Revolution Ride:

Saturday May 17th!



BORP's largest fundraising event is just two months away! The Revolution Ride helps power all of BORP's programs and this year we need your support more than ever. Last year BORP served over 1,000 individuals and ran more than 1,100 program activities! Raising $225,000 at this year's Rev will help us continue and expand that impact.

Updated Event Info includes updates on Routes, Festival Info, the Event Schedule, and Transportation Options, as well as the Rev from Anywhere.

Can't make it on the 17th? Join the Rev from Anywhere and participate any day and any time. Rev from Anywhere fundraising will be matched! (up to $10,000).

Image Description: Revolution Ride logo depicts a series of blocks enclosed in a circle, resembling spokes and a wheel. The text reads "23rd Annual Revolution Ride, May 17 2025, Mill Valley, CA".

Rev Volunteers Needed

Join the team that makes the Revolution Ride possible! Whether supporting riders on the course or helping behind the scenes, there's a role for you.

All volunteers get a free t-shirt, festival admission with lunch and drinks, and the chance to make a real impact for BORP.

Sign up today and be part of the Revolution!

Image: Three people at last year's Rev check-in table smiling at the camera.

Camp Wamp

A sleep-under-the-stars camp for kids with physical disabilities up in the High Sierra mountains. No family has to pay to send their child to our summer camp in Soda Springs, California. 

Learn more @ 

https://stephenjwamplerfoundation.org

Image: photo a man in a powerchair with other people in wheelchairs behind him.

Berkeley Tuolumne Camp

Inclusive Weekend designed for families and friends with mobility and or intellectual disabilities. At Berkeley Tuolumne Camp (BTC), families can enjoy the wilderness, great food, and all-day programming and take part in themes days, campfire, swimming, and much more. Register Here: Session 2: 6/26/25 - 6/29/25 Inclusive Weekend

Image: Tuolumne Camp sign with trees and blue sky behind it

Casting Call!

The Lab Theater is casting for a staged reading of a new play about communication and creativity at SF State University. Looking for an actor (female, 20-30s) who uses a wheelchair to play one of the main characters. The character is an artist who is unsentimental, feisty, and often hilarious. Actors receive a $75 stipend. There will be 2-3 rehearsals plus the reading in The Lab Theater, Theater Arts building at SFSU at 7pm on 5/14). Contact: Harriet, hcellini@mail.sfsu.edu

180 Medical Offering Two Scholarships

Apply by June 1st for $1,000 scholarships offered by 180 Medical.

- The 180 Medical Scholarship Program is for individuals living with medical conditions including spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, transverse myelitis, neurogenic bladder, or an ostomy. 

- The Ron Howell Caregiver Scholarship is for a primary unpaid caregiver for a family or loved one requiring in-home care. Image: 180 Medical logo

BackBone Youth Program

Applications are open for the BACKBONES Youth Program! Participate in a summer virtual program for teenagers (ages 15-18) with spinal cord injury and disability (SCI/D) 

Applications due April 11, 2025. Apply here!

Image: BACKBONES logo

BORP Adaptive Sports and Recreation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our mission is to improve the health, independence, and social integration of children, youth, and adults with physical disabilities and visual impairments through sports, fitness, and recreation programs. www.borp.org

Image 1: BORP logo in blue and orange, a stylized drawing of person in a moving wheelchair plus the words BORP adaptive sports and recreation. Image 2: Facebook logo. Image 3: Instagram logo. Image 4: YouTube logo.