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

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The year has certainly started with a flurry of activity. In these uncertain times, community and resilience matter more than ever. And today we have something to celebrate: thanks to you, our incredible BORP family, we reached our $75,000 year-end fundraising goal! Your support keeps BORP strong and helps us provide programs that lift up the entire community. 

We also have two hallmark events coming up:

The Chris Finn Memorial Poker Slam is happening tomorrow, Saturday, 2/8! This year, instead of a fundraiser, the event is all about what BORP does best: building community. Bring a dish to share, connect with friends, and enjoy a night of fun. (See below to register!)

BORP’s 23rd Annual Revolution Ride will be held on May 17th in its breathtaking new location in Mill Valley. The Rev is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this new location! Registration will launch early next week, so keep an eye out! 

Of course, for many the news beyond BORP has been unsettling. Every morning brings headlines that could raise uncertainty and fear—especially for those most directly impacted by our shifting political landscape. Bonnie Lewkowicz, BORP’s Access Northern California manager and all-around access champion, always says, "You can’t have DEI without the A (for accessibility).” I couldn’t agree more. I'd just add another clause, "There is no BORP without DEIA."

That’s why we’re more focused than ever on making our programs diverse, equitable, and inclusive. In that spirit, I’m thrilled to share that BORP just received a $40,000 grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to expand programming and outreach to the Latino community. 

BORP will always be a space for immigrants, Black and Indigenous people of color, trans folks, and everyone who faces systemic barriers to recreation and sport. We are fired up and ready to ramp up efforts to ensure all who wish can access our programs. 

Through it all, I promise that BORP will remain a place to move, challenge ourselves, and connect—with each other and with nature.

In community,

23rd Annual Revolution Ride: Saturday May 17th!

Registration Opens Tuesday, February 11th!

Mark your calendars for May 17th, 2025. This year, we’re thrilled to be bringing the Rev closer to home with the stunning Mill Valley Community Center as our new home base. Explore fresh routes that showcase the beauty of the area and enjoy an unforgettable day of cycling, community, and celebration.

$25 Early Bird Registration ends March 15th – don’t wait to secure your spot!

Image Description: The 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"

Volunteer with BORP This Year

A new year brings new opportunities to get involved! BORP runs on volunteer power, and we’d love for you to be part of our team. Getting started is easy:

1. Fill out this quick form.
2. The form will provide a link to book a 15-minute call with a BORP staff member to discuss our volunteer needs.
3. Gain access to our Sign-Up Genius Form with current volunteer opportunities.

Urgent Need: Power Soccer Volunteers!

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. Go through the process outlined above to get started. 

If you can’t commit long-term, consider helping at one of our upcoming tournaments: 

Sign-up to Volunteer at our March 8-9 Division 3/Women's Wheelchair Basketball Tournament 

Sign-up to Volunteer at our March 29-30 Recreational Wheelchair Basketball Tournament 

BORP Transportation and A&O partner with Oakland teachers and ParaCliff Hangers

Thanks to support from the Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY), BORP has been facilitating a wide range of nature and cultural outings for a group of blind and low-vision Oakland youth for several years. Two recent highlights included holiday-time scavenger hunt at Bay Street Emeryville and scaling new heights through indoor rock climbing with ParaCliffHangers. These outings offer community and adventure and allow youth to work on their orientation and mobility skills in real-world environments.

Read more about their latest adventures on our website

Image: Group of youth standing in front of the Christmas Tree at BayStreet in Emeryville.

THANK YOU former Alameda County 5th District Supervisor Keith Carson

A heartfelt thank you to Keith Carson for his incredible support of BORP! In his final term as 5th District Supervisor, the Berkeley native secured a $50,000 discretionary grant on BORP’s behalf—an unexpected and deeply appreciated investment in adaptive sports and recreation. Thank you, Supervisor Carson, and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, for your commitment to inclusion and community impact!

Image: Photo of Supervisor Carson seated at his desk with the American Flag in the background and sticker image that reads, "Thank you!"

Oakland Youth Build Strength and Confidence at the Fitness Center

With support from the Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY), BORP is helping Oakland youth with disabilities stay active, set fitness goals, and build strength at the Fitness Center.

Led by instructor Jorge Macias, the class meets weekly, providing youth with guidance on using equipment safely and effectively. Beyond fitness, the program fosters camaraderie, motivation, and personal growth.

"The class has become more lively and energetic, with an increase in student participation. Everyone is enjoying staying active and working out together in a fun and supportive environment," says Jorge.

Image: A group of seven individuals, including several youth smile happily for the camera inside BORP's fitness center

Chris Finn Memorial Poker Slam - TOMORROW!

Date: Saturday, February 8

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Place: Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline St. , Berkeley

BORP and CRIL are co-hosting the Slam this year: get your ticket today. Tickets are $50, and the focus is on honoring Chris, celebrating the power soccer community, and having fun!

SCI Meet-up: Wednesday, February 19th!

Challenged Athletes Foundation Grants and Scholarship Opportunities.

Eva Kristof from Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) will present on all CAF grant opportunities and answer questions. CAF provides opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics.

Please register beforehand so we can order the right amount of pizza!

Image 1: Logo for the Challenged Athletes Foundation

Winter Adventures and Outings

February 2025:

Saturday, February 8 - Coastal Outing to Cosumnes River Preserve.

Sunday, February 16 - In-Person Hike at Tilden Park or Redwood Regional Park. Weather dependent.

Monday, February 17 - Virtual Tour: Highly Descriptive Fine Arts of the San Francisco Museum

Saturday, February 22 - In-Person Coastal Ano Nuevo Equal Access Elephant Seal Tour.

For more information or to register, contact Lori at lori@borp.org or at 510-843-4398 (after 10am weekdays).

Support BORP and Clear Out your E-Waste

Got old monitors gathering dust? Schedule an e-waste pick-up at eWaste4good.com, and they’ll collect your unwanted electronics from home. Even better, BORP receives a share of the proceeds. You must have three qualifying items (e.g., TVs, monitors, laptops) to schedule your free pick-up.

Important: BORP isn’t listed under Alameda Groups yet, so be sure to write "BORP" in the provided field.

The Berkeley Bike Plan Needs Your Input

The City of Berkeley is updating its 2017 Citywide Bike Plan and seeking community input:

1. Visit www.BerkeleyBikePlan.org to review the network recommendations and share your feedback with us.
2. Attend the event being held in partnership with the Center for Independent Living, on February 18th.

For more information, visit www.BerkeleyBikePlan.org

Image: A flyer with a photos of several young kids riding in a row, and text that reads: BERKELEY BIKES! View our new bike network recommendations at www.BerkeleyBikePlan.org or attend an upcoming event.

ETC's Youth LEAD Program

ETC is looking for Youth to join in on an adventure of a lifetime this summer! ETC's Youth LEAD Program (YLP) is running 14-Day and 21-Day wilderness courses for youth ages 14 through 18 of all abilities and backgrounds. This upcoming summer, they are offering 4 courses with sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, and backpacking components and have open spots for all courses.

Check out their website at etctrip.org for further details, dates, and scholarship application. 

Image: logo for Environmental Travel Companion (ETC)

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.