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

In This Issue: Letter from Rick Smith | Opening Day | Adaptive Kayaking | Beach Wheelchair Loans | Adventures & Outings | Fitness Classes | Adaptive Cycling | Fitness Fun via Zoom | Grant Applications: Kelly Brush Fnd. | BORP Covid-19 Guidelines | Social Media Links

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A Lot is Happening at BORP This Summer

July was Disability Pride Month and commemorates the passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990. As part of their coverage KTVU did a show on Pride Month and reached out to BORP to be part of their coverage. The BORP segment starts at roughly 2 minutes into the show.  In addition, Bonnie Lewkowicz, another member of BORP’s staff, was on three-person panel for “Allies in Action: A Conversation about Disability” aired by ABC News.

Last month we welcomed two new board members and the manager of our new kayaking program, and this month I’m pleased to introduce Jorge Macias. Jorge has been working as a part-time employee at our Cycling Center for the last couple of years, and we are thrilled that he has accepted a new, full-time position as a Program Associate. In this new role Jorge will work closely with our Athletic Director, Brandon Young, focusing on program development and outreach.

Jorge grew up in the Bay Area, played on his high school football team, and after his injury, continued his sports career which now includes rock climbing (where he recently placed 3rd in a national competition held by USA Climbing) and wheelchair basketball. His current goal is “to be more involved in sport programs to expose adaptive sports to as many people as possible as well as compete at higher levels/ improve myself in all ways.”  

On the program front, I am excited that BORP is partnering with the San Francisco Department of Parks & Recreation to bring adaptive cycling back to San Francisco. They have taken over the project (previously a Bikeshare Program sponsored by Lyft) and we will be working directly with them on the continuation of the initiative. The program will be offered on Saturdays, alternating between Golden Gate Park and the Great Highway. For more information on reserving a bike call our Adaptive Cycling Center: 510-848-2930.  

And finally, have you checked out out two new in-person fitness classes yet?

Open Gym: Everyone is welcome to come use the equipment at BORP’s Fitness Studio. This is not a class and there is not instructor. If you are not able to use the equipment independently you may bring someone to assist. 

Fitness for All, led by Jorge Macias!  Join a fun and inclusive workout, outside in the courtyard of the BORP Cycling Center. Says Jorge, “Fitness is for everyone! I take great pride in meeting you where you are and helping you find your next step.” This class is a great way to stay active and socialize outside while maintaining social distancing. All fitness levels welcome! For more information and to sign up, visit the BORP website. 

Have a terrific summer,

Rick Smith

Executive Director

Save the Date!

BORP Opening Day on

Saturday, September 24, 2022

1:00 - 5:00 p.

Save the date for an afternoon of getting to know BORP's adaptive sports options. . The day will include interactive adaptive sports demonstrations allowing folks to have the opportunity to try out BORP's sports equipment. Attendees must wear masks and be vaccinated.

Opening Day will include demonstrations and time to try: Goalball, Adaptive Cycling, Wheelchair Basketball, Power Soccer, and Wheelchair Rugby.

Yes, wheelchair rugby is happening after a 26-year hiatus. BORP is bringing back quad/wheelchair rugby to the Bay Area. Wheelchair rugby is an inclusive sport for quadriplegic men and women. Practices are open to players of all levels from beginner to players in the competitive wheelchair rugby league. Come on out and join the fun!

As an added bonus, attendees will have the chance to meet and talk with BORP Athletic Director Brandon Young and new BORP Program Associate Jorge Macias.

To attend, please register online at Eventbrite.

Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected].

Image 1: flyer reads: Save the date BORP opening day, Saturday, September 24, 2022. Interactive adaptive sports demonstrations. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate. Goalball, adaptive cycling, wheelchair basketball, power soccer, reintroducing wheelchair rugby. After a 26-year hiatus, BORP is bringing back quad/wheelchair rugby to the Bay Area. Wheelchair rugby is an inclusive sport for quadriplegic men and women. Practices are open to players of all levels from beginner to players in the competitive wheelchair rugby league. Come on out and join the fun! To attend, register at Eventbrite. For more info contact [email protected] or [email protected]. BORP Opening Day Saturday, September 24, 2022 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. James Kenney Community Center, 1720 Eighth Street, Berkeley.

Image 2:Two people in sports wheelchairs reach above their heads for a basketball. A person is standing in the background. They are in a gym.

Image 3: A person is pictured as they are about to throw a ball while playing goalball. The person is in a gym, wearing blinders, arm and knee pads.

Image 4: A large group of cyclists, many on adaptive bikes, are pictured. The group of about 100 people are outdoors.

Image 5: People are pictured in a gym playing power soccer. Seven people in power soccer wheelchair. Three people standing are in the background.

Adaptive Kayaking Program

The BORP Kayaking program, located at our Adaptive Cycling Center in Berkeley at Aquatic Park, features a number of universal design and adaptive solutions to help make kayaking successful for all. Kayaking at BORP is by appointment only. To stay up to date on kayaking dates, check the BORP calendar. You must sign-up in advance to participate. 

Our July kayaking event was a great success. We served both long-time BORP participants and new-to-BORP folks, one of whom paddled for the first time since his spinal cord injury. Using our adaptations he was able to paddle first in a tandem with a volunteer, and then move to paddling solo successfully. What a rewarding day on the water!

The BORP Adaptive Kayaking Program in Berkeley provides safe flatwater kayaking opportunities for people with disabilities and their companions. We're happy to serve both new and experienced paddlers. In addition to paddling days, we also offer 1:1 on-land appointments to work out the adaptive supports and systems that serve you best. 

For more information, to sign up for kayaking, or to be added to the email list, please contact Mia at [email protected].

Image: a person is in a kayak on the water. There are trees in the background.

Beach Wheelchairs for Loan

Summer may be slipping away but as we’re approaching our typically warmest weather (fall) there is still plenty of time to head to the beach.

Did you know that beach wheelchairs are available to loan for free at many beaches?

These beach wheelchairs are not to be taken in the water but can get you on and across the beach. Golden Gate National Recreation Area has a robust loan program at Marin County and San Francisco Beaches. To learn more and request a loan visit this NPS website page or call (415) 561-4958 at least 5 days in advance.

For a list of companies that sell beach wheelchairs visit BORP's Access Northern California recreation equipment page.

For a list of beaches that have beach wheelchairs for loan along the entire California coast visit the Coastal Commission website.

Image: Two blue beach wheelchairs. They have a lawn-chair look and large, wide gray ballooned wheels.

The Adventures & Outings (A&O) calendar is full of in person and virtual programming. Events are listed on the BORP calendar: www.borp.org/calendar. 

To participate in any of the A&O events, you must first contact Lori Gray at [email protected] or by phone at 510-843-4398 (calls accepted after 10 a.m.).

A&O events to look forward to in August and September include:

Monthly Indoor Rock Climbing

Outdoor Hikes and Activities throughout the Bay Area

Monthly Highly Descriptive Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Virtual Tours 

Contact Lori to find out the latest planned adventures.

Open Gym: BORP's Fitness Studio in the Ed Roberts Campus

3075 Adeline St., Berkeley

Every Tuesday 

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Free!

Everyone is welcome to come use the equipment at BORP's Fitness Studio. This is not a class and there is no instructor. If you are not able to use the equipment independently you may bring someone to assist. Participants must use masks and be vaccinated. Limited to eight participants. Please sign up so you can be notified of schedule changes. Email [email protected] for more information.

Image: Three women and a yellow dog are in a fitness studio. One woman in a manual chair is using the Vitaglide fitness equipment. A woman in a powerchair is swinging split ropes. Another woman in a power chair is stretching out using TRX system.

Summer Workout Series with Jorge: Fitness for All

There are a two more weeks in the Six Week Summer Workout Series! Join Jorge for a fun and inclusive workout, outside in the courtyard of the BORP Cycling Center. We will be using innovative adaptive equipment designed to work for you. These courses are a great way to stay active and socialize outside while maintaining social distancing. All fitness levels welcome. Note: the Fitness For All will now be held only at the Cycling Center. 

Class Fee: Donation Based. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Register here for Jorge's Fitness for All Summer Workout Series.

Email [email protected] with your Fitness Studio questions.

Gentle Stretch & Movement

with Lela Davia



The Gentle Stretch Class is geared towards people with arthritis but open to all. This class provides gentle movement and strengthening for people with disabilities and/or joint disease. Classes will include warm up, strengthening, stretching, cardio, and relaxation segments, all from a seated position. Everyone is welcome to join us.

*Please note that class is cancelled August 15.

Image: Stylized text reads "just breathe".

Adaptive Cycling Center – Summer Hours:

By appointment from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays

[email protected] 510-848-2930

San Francisco Adaptive Cycling with BORP

The San Francisco Adaptive Cycling Program, funded by SF Recs and Parks, happens on Saturdays through the end of October. 

On the 1st and 3rd Saturdays we will be located at the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park next to the new accessible bandshell parking lot.

On the 2nd and 4th Saturdays we will be located on the Great Highway at Judah Street. 

Reservations are required and bike availability is limited. 

All reservations must be made before 5pm on the Friday before (minimum 1 week's notice for reservations). 

Image: Two people ride in seated handcycles on a paved path road in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. A pedestrian walks behind them. In the background there is lush park greenery.

Online Fitness Fun for Everyone!

BORP offers an array of online fitness classes each week, Mondays through Saturdays, and there's something for everyone.

Register for online classes here.

Sit Fit | Magic Monday | Tai Chi | Inclusive Functional Strength Training | Adaptive Chair Yoga | Move to the Beats! | Mindful Movement | Seated Pilates and Breathwork Rumba with Tina | Move to the Beats

Image reads: BORP online fitness studio. 

Grant Applications Open: The Active Fund

Kelly Brush Foundation's "The Active Fund" grant for adaptative sports equipment, for people with paralysis due to spinal cord injuries, is now open. The deadline to apply is September 14. Learn more and apply here.

Logo image reads: Kelly Brush Foundation with initials kbf, all in blue text, in a yellow circle.

Add BORP's Program Calendar to Your Online Calendar

Our website at www.borp.org includes a regularly updated calendar that you can subscribe to, so you'll always know what programs and classes are available when. To add the BORP calendar to your online calendar system, scroll to the bottom right of the calendar page and choose the right calendar link for you. Once you subscribe, your calendar will auto-populate with all the BORP classes (you can toggle the calendar on/off in your system).

You may also add individual classes / events on particular dates to your calendar by clicking the "Add to Calendar" option.

The BORP.org/calendar page is regularly updated and includes sign-up links for all your favorite classes and more.

Reminder: To keep up to date on the latest protocols from BORP around masking, vaccination requirements, and more, please visit borp.org/covid-guidelines.

BORP has pandemic-related safety protocols (masking and vaccination requirements) for indoor and outdoor activities, the Adventures & Outings program, and the Adaptive Cycling Center for all individuals aged 5 years and older.

Our Facebook page features what’s happening at BORP, news about adaptive sports, fitness, and recreation, and other issues of interest to the disability community. BORP is also on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Follow, like, and subscribe to us across all your social media platforms!

Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program (BORP) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization working to improve the health, independence and social integration of people with physical disabilities and visual impairments through sports, fitness and recreation programs. www.borp.org

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