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BORP News and Resources | September 2024

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

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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Paralympics Shine Spotlight on Adaptive Sports

Photo of 6 people, 5 in wheelchairs, at the Ed Roberts Campus for BORP's Paralympic Opening Viewing party.


The Paralympic Games are here and BORP has caught Paralympic fever! Recently, BORP Goalball had the thrill of welcoming the Paralympic Goalball Team to one of our Wednesday practices. What a treat to witness such top-tier talent in action! And if you missed it, our Paralympic opening ceremonies watch party was an absolute blast, with four Paralympians sharing their incredible journeys and some fun behind-the-scenes stories (you can catch all the highlights on our website). Later in the week NBC Bay AreaNews stopped by our Berkeley Adult Wheelchair Basketball practice and shot a segment for the evening news!


Here at BORP, we’re always excited about adaptive recreation, but there's something special about seeing parasports take center stage. For every superstar competing in Paris, there’s a Bay Area resident eager to get moving who just hasn’t found us yet. That’s why we’re committed to making adaptive recreation accessible to all—whether through outreach events like our upcoming October 5th Expo or by providing specialized adaptive equipment and expert coaching.



Seeing elite athletes redefine what’s possible is truly motivating, and I know it’s sparking big dreams among our young athletes this month. Who knows? We might just be training the next generation of Paralympians right here at BORP. One thing I do know for sure: wherever adaptive sports takes our participants, they'll never regret the ride. 

Emily Seelenfreund

Executive Director

Image 1: Photo of 6 people, 5 in wheelchairs, at the Ed Roberts Campus for BORP's Paralympic Opening viewing party.

Program Updates

Image1: 23 people gathered at a campsite, five are in wheelchairs and at least 6 are wearing green East Bay Parks t-shirts.


Unforgettable Camping Trip with East Bay Parks


On August 17-18, BORP’s Adventures and Outings program in collaboration with East Bay Parks staff had an incredible overnight tent-camping experience at the Gillespie campsite in Tilden Park in Berkeley. Some 23 Participants (including 5 first-time campers) learned tips and tricks for accessible camping such as using guide ropes to navigate the campsite and setting up an accessible tent. Read the full story and see some great shots from the trip.

Image: Some 23 people gathered at a campsite, five are in wheelchairs and at least 6 are wearing green East Bay Parks t-shirts.

A group of people on the basketball court in wheelchairs talking and laughing

Adaptive Sports Expo on Oct. 5th


Register now for BORP's largest community event is coming up next month! Don't miss the chance to try 12+ adaptive activities (including some new ones like tennis and fencing), hang out with new and old friends, and enjoy the festival.

Sign up now to volunteer. We had 43 volunteers last year and we'll need even more this year, especially people interested in helping run craft and game stations! Explore sponsorship and vendor opportunities.

Logos for Rio Mobility, Firefly, Permobil Foundation, MTC/BayTrails, and Columbia

Image 1: A group of 4 people at last year's Expo taking a break during a wheelchair rugby demo. They are all smiling widely Image 2: Logos for Rio Mobility, Firefly, Permobil Foundation, MTC/Bay Trail, and Columbia.

A round sticker with the words, "Are you prepared?" and icons of survival items like flashlights, tools , canned food, and backpacks in the background.

Upcoming SCI Meet-Up on Emergency Preparedness


Are you ready? On September 18th our friends at The Center for Independent Living will be presenting about the importance of emergency preparedness for people with spinal cord injuries and how to effectively plan. Sign-up and information available on our website.

A wooded rocky beach shoreline against a blue sky. Shows the back of a paddler in a kayak, and two more kayaks paddling in front.

Kayaking Partners in Paddling

What do NASA and BORP have in common? Of course we both like to explore but we also share a tool-maker. Read more on our website about this incredible volunteer and all the partners that make our kayaking program possible.

A photo of 4 people in wheelchairs playing Pickleball and the caption, "Pickleball: Come as strangers, leave as friends."

Have You Tried Playing Pickleball?

It's fun and easy to learn. Come try it any Saturday Afternoon in Berkeley or Wednesday event at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond.

Goalball Practice with Paralympians

USA Paralympic Goalball Team Visits BORP for Unforgettable Practice Session

Basketball Takes Off

Coach Jorge Macias, Armando Rodriguez, and Artur Renowitzky attended the NWBA Camp in Fort Wayne.

Image 1: A round sticker with the words, "Are you prepared?" and icons of survival items like flashlights, tools , canned food, etc. in the background. Image 2: A wooded rocky beach shoreline against a blue sky. Shows the back of a paddler in a kayak, and two more kayaks paddling in front. Image 3: A photo of 4 people in wheelchairs playing Pickleball and the caption, "Pickleball: Come as strangers, leave as friends."

Community Resources

Support for Families of Children with Disabilities is holding their Access to Adventure 2024 event in San Francisco at Chrissy Field on September 28th.


The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OCFY) is currently engaged in a strategic planning process to inform their next strategic plan. They are seeking input from the Oakland community with a survey closing on October 1. More Info on the OFCY Website.

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

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.

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