BORP News and Updates | July 2023 | | |
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 Emily Seelenfreund | Access Northern California | Adaptive Cycling | Adaptive Kayaking | Fitness | Power Soccer at the Nationals | Chris Finn Memorial Poker Slam - Save the Date | Adventures & Outings | BORP Covid-19 Guidelines | Social Media Links | Mission Statement | Office Address | |
From the Desk of Emily Seelenfreund
Executive Director
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Kicking Off Disability Pride Month
Happy Disability Pride Month! What initially started out as a day to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act- has turned into a whole month of celebration. The theme of the month sure is apt- because after four weeks on the job- I am bursting with BORP pride.
Over the past couple weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many of BORP’s incredible people and programs. Whether it’s following the BORP Shocker’s journey to third place at Power Soccer Nationals (Check out player Rian’s write-up for a full recap of all the action), hearing the whole practice gym erupt as one of our youngest goalball participants scored with a well-executed shot or, getting solidly schooled by some of our youth wheelchair basketball team when jumping into a scrimmage, I am blown away by what our small but mighty BORP staff and broader community make possible.
This month is dedicated to celebrating the history of the movement and to elevating people that have for too long been relegated to the shadows of society. July serves as a rare spotlight into our community’s progress, successes, and continuing struggles. My challenge to you all, in honor of Disability Pride month, is to find someone new to tell about WHY BORP has had an impact on you and HOW game-changing accessible recreation can be. Personally, I am more driven than ever to amplify and create a spotlight for BORP’s successes and impact - not just this month, but every month to come.
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Image: A Photo of Executive Director Emily Seelenfreund at her first adaptive sports event She is six years old with a big gap-toothed grin and pink bike helmet. | |
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Head to the Beach!
It may not feel like summer in some Bay Area locations but if you’re wanting to head to the beach, here are some resources for people with mobility challenges:
- Beach wheelchairs are available to loan for free at many beaches. They are not typically for use in the water but, can get you on and across the beach.
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For a list of beaches that have beach wheelchairs for loan along the entire California coast visit the Coastal Commission website.
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Golden Gate National Recreation Area has a robust loan program at Marin County and San Francisco Beaches. To request a loan, email at least 5 days in advance.
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Wheeling Cal’s Coast website has beach information for the entire CA Coast (we're currently updating the information).
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For a list of companies that sell beach wheelchairs visit BORP’s recreation equipment page, and click on Adapted Outdoor Recreation Equipment.
NOTE: Due to our stormy winter, many beaches sustained damage so always check with the appropriate contacts to inquire about any access barriers or closures.
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Image: Couple (one standing, one in a powerchair) on a wheelchair accessible boardwalk with the Bay in the background. Cornflower Blue sky and Cerulean water. | |
For those of you who like to hit the trails, KQED did a nice story recently about Accessible Bay Area Hiking Trails and the advocates we can thank for them, including, or course, BORP's very own Bonnie Lewkowicz! | |
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Adaptive Cycling Center Location and Hours:
Temporary closure 7/15 - 8/5 due to construction - SF Program continues
80 Bolivar Drive, Berkeley, 94710 (click for map)
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Rain or Shine
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
By appointment only. Same day appointments welcome.
Contact cycling@borp.org or 510-848-2930 to ride.
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Construction Project Forces Temporary Closure
Bolivar will be completely shut down for roughly three weeks to demolish and reconfigure the road. Unfortunately the Cycling Center will not be able to operate so we will also be closed during that time. The current plan calls for the shutdown to be from July 15th to August 5th.
There is car parking and biking access the rest of the time but it may be different each time you come. We coordinate solutions with the road crews daily. When in doubt, give us a call.
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Our bikes get regular care by our talented mechanic Gio. Big or small, he fixes them all! | |
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SF Adaptive Cycling will continue uninterrupted. We must have your reservation by 5pm of the Thursday before you want to ride. Click here to visit the website for links to required waivers:
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First and Third Saturdays in Golden Gate Park behind the bandshell of the Music Concourse.
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Second and Fourth Saturdays at the Great Highway and Judah, just two blocks south of the GG Park.
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Images 1: Two Women on adaptive trikes out on The Great Highway in SF. Image 2: A sign with info about BORP parking and cycling access, there's a dump truck in the background. Image 3: BORP cycle mechanic Gio riding an adaptive hot rod cycle. Image 4: Photos of a truck with adaptive bikes in front and a sign for BORP's San Francisco Adaptive Cycling in Golden Gate Park. | |
Banner Image: Two paddlers at Aquatic Park, with a seagull flying by. Image 1: Two paddlers in a tandem boat smile at the camera while paddling. | |
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BORP KAYAKING
Kayaking has had a successful season so far! We've had beautiful days out on the water. Due to local construction, like the cycling center, we will have to close for the last three weeks of July.
Email kayak@borp.org to join the email list to be alerted when future dates are scheduled. You can also email to discuss adaptive kayaking solutions for individuals - we're happy to help.
| Banner Image: Two paddlers at Aquatic Park, with a seagull flying by. Image 2: A view off the dock at Berkeley's Aquatic park with an empty wheelchair in the foreground and two paddlers in the distance. | |
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Summer Workout Series with Jorge: Fitness for All
Location change!
Join Jorge for a fun and inclusive strength training workout now at the Ed Roberts Campus outside deck in Berkeley, Fridays at 4:30. We will be using innovative adaptive equipment designed to work for you. Enjoy getting fit while being outside. All fitness levels welcome.
"Fitness is for everyone! I take great pride in meeting you where you are and helping you find your next step." - Jorge Macias
Register here for Jorge's Fitness for All Summer Workout Series.
Location: Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline St, Berkeley (click for map)
Dates: Fridays through to October 6th
Time: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Class Fee: Donation Based. No one turned away for lack of funds.
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Image 1: Four women with bows in wheelchairs in front of archery targets smiling and laughing. | |
Power Soccer at the Nationals | |
Image: Team on the court at the Nationals having a team huddle. | |
BORP Shockers Return to the Power Soccer Nationals, Bringing Home a Bronze
Nationals for the Shockers and the Golden State Ducks was a monumental event this year, being the first Nationals for the new Ducks team and the first Nationals since the start of the pandemic for the Shockers and our supporters. It was an emotional time for the Shockers especially because it was also our first Nationals without our former coach, Chris Finn, who passed in mid-June of 2020 and was beloved by players, coaches, referees, and even professional photographers.
Click to read on - Power Soccer Nationals
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Image: flyer with photos of Chris Finn wearing a blue cap and orange and black striped scarf; text reads: Save the date! 9/23/23 for the Chris Finn Memorial Poker Slam! | |
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For all A&O events call or email Lori Gray to confirm your attendance.
lori@borp.org 510-843-4398 - Call only after 10:00 AM
Space is limited at all A&O events. Please be sure to sign up early and, if you find you are unable to attend, let us know as soon as possible so that another interested participant has a chance to join the fun. Email Lori for the complete calendar.
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Monday, July 10th 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM Ansel Adams and the Sublime - a Virtual highly descriptive Fine Arts of San Francisco Museum Zoom
Join docents Anne Burns Johnson and Margaret Grohne for a tour on ‘Ansel Adams and the Sublime.’ We’ll explore several landscape photographs by Ansel Adams from the current special exhibition at the de Young Museum as well as paintings by other artists of similar vistas. Click for event details.
Click on descriptions below to get event details on BORP's Calendar Listings:
Many more offerings are listed on the calendar, including the October 20th camping trip to Lake Del Valle!
| Image 1: Ansel Adams black and while photo of Half Dome in Yosemite. The contrast is stark between the sky, which looks black in the photo, and the white snow-covered valley and distant mountains. The face of Half Dome rises up a dark grey monolith with streaks of while where snow and ice are and a thin outline of bright white describing the curve of the top of the Dome against the sky. | |
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. | |
Like, Follow & Subscribe to BORP's Social Media Pages | |
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! | |
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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
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Image: BORP logo in black, a stylized drawing of person in a moving wheelchair plus the words BORP adaptive sports and recreation | | | | |
