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 | Revolution Ride 2023 | Team Sports | Adaptive Rock Climbing | Adaptive Kayaking | Adaptive Cycling | Fitness Classes | Fitness Fun via Zoom |  Adventures & Outings | Opening Day Recap | Low Cost Internet | BORP Employment Opportunities | Event of Interest | Social Media Links | BORP Covid-19 Guidelines | Mission Statement | Office Address

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Surveys, SF Adaptive Cycling, and More

Thanks to everyone who filled out our recent participant survey. The feedback is incredibly helpful to BORP’s staff and board as we continually try to understand the needs, interests and desires of our participants. In addition, BORP receives a major portion of its financial support from grant makers who are always interested in knowing how their funding is making a difference in the lives of people. Your feedback really helps us demonstrate that BORP does, in fact, make a huge difference in the quality of life for our participants. If you have not completed a survey, it’s not too late, and we would welcome your thoughts and suggestions. The survey can be found here.

BORP’s San Francisco Adaptive Bike Program (formerly Bikeshare) has been an enormous success and will operate through November 5. Join the fun and ride with cyclists, hikers, roller skaters, and more on the closed-to-cars roads of Golden Gate Park and the Great Highway. Handcycles, Trikes, and Tandems are available by reservation from 12 pm - 4 pm. Space is limited, so make your reservation as soon as possible, and note that the latest reservations can be requested is 5 pm on the Thursday prior to the upcoming Saturday. We will be in Golden Gate Park on 10/29 and 11/5; and on the Great Highway on 10/22. For reservations (required) email greg@adaptivecycles.com or call 510-497-1828.  And thanks to Greg Milano, BORP’s former Cycling Program Manager, for stepping up to lead the program since Leo’s departure. I also want to give a big shout-out to Lucas Tobin, San Francisco’s ADA Coordinator, for his amazing support of the program and all of BORP’s work. 

Access to the Internet has become a necessity, and we're pleased to share with the BORP community info on low-cost internet access for those who can benefit from it. Saving money where we can is important, and we're happy to share this information about this money-saving resource from the World Institute on Disability (WID) and the California Emergency Technology Fund (CETF) to increase access in internet services to people with disabilities. WID and CETF are helping people with disabilities enroll in affordable home internet for as little as $10-$20 per month. To learn more and sign up, visit InternetForAllNow.org.

Mark your calendars: We'll be in Santa Rosa on May 13, 2023 for the 21st annual Revolution Ride, Roll and Stroll! The REV is BORP's biggest fundraiser each year, and a special day where we can gather to enjoy cycling scenic roads, break bread together, and gather to reminisce, party, and honor wonderful folks in the BORP community. We look forward to seeing you in May!

All my best,

Rick Smith

Executive Director

Save the Date: 21st Annual

Revolution Ride, Roll and Stroll

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Santa Rosa, California

Youth Sports Update

The Jr. Road Warriors and Sharks Sled Hockey team continue preseason practices preparing for the 2022-2023 season. Avery Dauer and Brandon Louie were invited to tour the University of Arizona and hope to join Ella Rodriguez, Ben Thornton, and Garnett Silver-Hall in continuing their educational path in Tucson and play basketball for the Wildcats.

For more information and to check out BORP’s youth sports, please contact Brandon Young at brandon@borp.org or Trooper Johnson at trooper@borp.org.

Image: Youth wheelchair basketball players are pictured mid-game.

Wheelchair Rugby Update

The High Fives Storm, BORP's wheelchair rugby team, participated in their first tournament of the season September 30 - October 2 with lowered expectations because only six of its 14 members traveled to play. They pulled out close victories in their first three games vs. The Portland Pounders 54-45, British Columbia 48-45 and host team Seattle Slam by the same score 48-45 on Friday and Saturday.

However on Sunday the lack of depth showed and they endured losses to the Boise Bombers 53-45 and Las Vegas High Rollers 59-45 to finish 3-2 with a 3rd place Bronze Medal out of the 6 teams participating. Additionally new team member and high point ball handler David Garcia won an All Tournament Award for best in class.

Next up on the schedule is The Reno Rumble at the end of October and The Storm will be at full strength with higher expectations and a quest for Gold!

Want to Join Wheelchair Rugby? Questions?

Contact Athletic Director Brandon Young at brandon@borp.org

Image 1: Three wheelchair rugby athletes in game wheelchairs are shown in a gym.

Image 2: Team photo of seven High Fives Storm wheelchair rugby players in black team jerseys with orange numbers are shown in game wheelchairs in a gym.

Adaptive Rock Climbing: BORP + ParaCliffHangers

BORP and ParaCliffHangers are teaming up to offer more adaptive climbing opportunities. Join the indoor Adaptive Rock Climbing fun! Cost: $10 per person (all gear included). To participate, sign up at the ParaCliffHangers site here for a Bay Area session. Be sure that you have a BORP participation form and waiver on file with your current information. If you have a form on file, please do be sure to fill out our updated participation waiver, here. Questions? Email jorge@borp.org.

Register for BORP + ParaCliffHangers Indoor Climbing:

• Every Friday 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. at Berkeley Ironworks, 800 Potter St, Berkeley, CA 94710
• Every Fourth Sunday of the Month, 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at Pacific Pipe, 2140 Mandela Parkway, Oakland, CA 94607
• Every Second Tuesday of the Month, from either 2:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (sign up for either session) at Diablo Rock Gym, 1220 Diamond Way # 140, Concord, CA 94520

Adaptive Kayaking in Berkeley

As we head into fall, kayak events will soon be closing for the season. But, we're still here to help you find the right adaptive set up for you and to advise people and organizations about adaptive kayaking.

To schedule a consultation, email Mia at kayak@borp.org. You can also email Mia to join the email list to stay up to date on future kayaking events. The BORP Kayaking program is located at our Adaptive Cycling Center in Berkeley at Aquatic Park. 

Image: Paddlers Sydney Wyma and Susana Witte enjoy kayaking together on Berkeley's Aquatic Park Lagoon while a great egret soars by.  

Adaptive Cycling Center Hours:

By appointment only

from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays

cycling@borp.org 510-848-2930

Image: A group of adaptive cyclists on bikes are pictured outdoors.

San Francisco Adaptive Cycling with BORP

San Francisco Adaptive Cycling Program will continue be held every Saturday through November 5 from 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Reservations Required. 

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 Thursday before (minimum 1 week's notice for reservations). Email Greg at greg@adaptivecycles.com to sign up or for more information. To reserve a bike, please email and include the following information: Full Name of the rider, Bike Type requested (if known), and Requested date and time of arrival in your reservation request. The San Francisco Adaptive Cycling Program, funded by SF Recs and Parks.

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 on Mondays from 10–11 a.m. at the BORP Fitness Center.

Image reads "just breathe" in stylized black text on a white background.

Fitness for All is Extended Through the End of October. 

Extended by popular demand! Fitness For All will continue through the end of October. Join Jorge and the crew outside at the cycling center for some fitness fun. Costumes and pumpkin spice optional. All fitness levels welcome.  

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

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

Email cynthia@borp.org with your Fitness Studio questions.

Images 1 and 2: 4 people in wheelchairs are pictured outdoors, arms outstretched, participating in the Fitness for all class in the patio of the Adaptive Cycling Center. Yellow kayaks are on their sides in the background. 

Open Gym: BORP's Fitness Studio

in the Ed Roberts Campus

Every Tuesday: 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Free!

Everyone is welcome to come use the equipment at BORP's Fitness Studio at the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley. 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 cynthia@borp.org 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.

Online Fitness Spotlight:

Move to the Beats!

Online fitness is always fun with instructor JanpiStar. This fun, high-energy seated dance class introduces easy-to-follow choreography from a seated position done to Latin and Club dance music. Class is geared towards upper body and core strengthening. Get ready to move! 

Classes are held Wednesdays at 5:30pm Pacific Time. Click here to register.

Image: Fitness instructor JanpiStar looks up into the camera. He is seated in a wheelchair.

Online Fitness 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. 

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

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

A&O events to look forward to in October and November include:

October 22: Superfest Film festival in Berkeley

October 23: Outing with East Bay Regional Parks

Outdoor Hikes and Activities throughout the Bay Area

Monthly Highly Descriptive Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Virtual Tours

Monthly Group Indoor Adaptive Rock Climbing–Starting Again Soon

Contact Lori to find out the latest planned adventures

and to be added to the A&O mailing list.

Opening Day: A Sports-tatic Success

Did you have a chance to check out opening day on Saturday, September 24th? We had a great time getting the teams together and introducing some new folks to the different sports. If you missed it or want to follow up, email brandon@borp.org for more information.

Thank you to our awesome teammates, volunteers, coaches and referees! And a special thanks to photographer Scot Goodman for artfully capturing the day.

Image 1, top right of article: Action shot of three people playing wheelchair rugby in a gym. The person on the right is reaching towards the ball, seen in mid-air.

Image 2, centered photo: Three adults and one cone young child are in wheelchair rugby chairs in a gym. The child is second from the right, and is holding a white game ball.

Image 3, left: Two young people are in a gym playing power soccer in game wheelchairs.

Image 4, bottom left: Two people in athletic wheelchairs are pictured in a gym; the person facing the camera is a youth player.

Image 5, right: A youth sports plater is seen about to throw a basketball. The youth is seated in a wheelchair basketball chair, in a gym.

BORP, in partnership with the World Institute on Disability and the California Emergency Technology Fund, is reaching out to increase access in internet services to people with disabilities.

Internet access is vital for independence and a good quality of life, especially for people with disabilities. WID and CETF are helping people with disabilities enroll in affordable home internet for as little as $10-$20 per month.

To learn more and sign up, visit InternetForAllNow.org.

Image: Against a plain sky-blue background is a person in a wheelchair, side-view. In the top-right of the image words in a plain white text read: Do you have a disability and want affordable, high-quality home internet?

BORP is Hiring! Join the BORP Team

BORP is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status. We value the range of life experiences our staff bring with them and are stronger for having staff and volunteers with lived experience of disability. Current open positions at BORP are:

Development Manager

BORP is looking for a highly motivated person to translate BORP’s success story into increased fundraising results. With a current operating budget of approximately $1,200,000 we are seeking to significantly increase our development revenues from private philanthropy sources (currently around $600,000), over the next several years. Full time employment.

Adaptive Cycling Program Assistant

BORP is looking for a program assistant at the Adaptive Cycling Center. If you like being outside, talking to new people, and moving bikes, this is the job for you! We are open 9am-5pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The ideal candidate will be able to work all three days with the possibility of extra hours for special events. Part time employment.

Learn more about BORP's employment opportunities by visiting our website at borp.org/about/work

Bionic 1 Mile event

This race is for everyone. October 30, 2022 in Golden Gate Park. Visit bionic1mile.com for more information.

Image: BIONIC 1 mile event flyer. White text on a red background. A white drawing of the Golden Gate bridge and a runner with a prosthetic leg is superimposed over a photo of the bridge In white text it reads: Bionic 1 mi. October 30, 2022. Golden Gate Park. This race is for everyone. Conquer the bionic mile in whatever way you choose. Run. Walk. Roll. Push a stroller. Push yourself. No matter how you move, the Bionic Mile welcomes you. www.bionicmile.com

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!

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.

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