Message from Executive Director:

Friends,

It’s been a heavy week for those of us who love pop culture.

We lost some legends—Ozzy Osbourne, the godfather of heavy metal who lived boldly with Parkinson’s. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, whose role as Theo Huxtable gave visibility to learning differences long before it was mainstream. Chuck Mangione, the only person to ever hit #1 on the Billboard charts with a flugelhorn (if you don’t know, do yourself a favor and listen to “Feels So Good”—you’ll thank me). And just the other morning, word came that Hulk Hogan—larger-than-life in every sense—has passed as well. It’s a lot to take in.

And while those public figures have dominated headlines, I want to share about someone you won’t read about in the news, but who had a profound impact on my life.

This week, I lost my friend, Vince. We coached Little League baseball together and against each other for years. He was a bit older than the rest of us dads. In fact, he wasn’t even coaching his own son—he was there for his grandson, whose father was absent and whose mother had faced more than her fair share of challenges. Vince didn’t flinch. He stepped up and raised that boy like he was his own. Showed up to every practice. Every game. Every moment. Even when our boys were attending high school together, his grandson’s mom had remarried and the boy’s family life stabilized, I would still catch up with Vince at our kids’ high school games.  He didn’t have to be there—but he did. Without fanfare, without complaint. Just love, commitment, and consistency.

As I reflect on Vince’s legacy, I’m reminded of the unsung heroes in our own community: the caregivers, the parents, siblings, aides, and friends who show up, transport, assist, encourage, and make it possible for our athletes to live full and active lives. Their devotion often flies under the radar, but it is absolutely essential to do what we do at SoCal Adaptive Sports.

So this week, let’s honor not just the icons we’ve lost—but the everyday heroes among us, like Vince. Let’s keep showing up for each other.

Onward,

Chris Allen

Executive Director 

SoCal Adaptive Sports

Mensaje del Director Ejecutivo:

Amigos,

Ha sido una semana difícil para quienes amamos la cultura pop.

Perdimos a varias leyendas: Ozzy Osbourne, el padrino del heavy metal que vivió con valentía a pesar del Parkinson. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, cuyo papel como Theo Huxtable dio visibilidad a las diferencias de aprendizaje mucho antes de que fueran un tema común. Chuck Mangione, la única persona que logró llegar al #1 en las listas de Billboard tocando un fliscorno (si no lo conocen, háganse un favor y escuchen “Feels So Good”—me lo van a agradecer). Y apenas la otra mañana, recibimos la noticia de que Hulk Hogan—grande en todos los sentidos—también ha fallecido. Es mucho para procesar.

Y aunque estas figuras públicas acaparan los titulares, quiero compartir con ustedes sobre alguien que no aparecerá en las noticias, pero que tuvo un profundo impacto en mi vida.

Esta semana, perdí a mi amigo Vince. Durante años, entrenamos béisbol infantil juntos y en equipos contrarios. Era un poco mayor que el resto de nosotros, los papás. De hecho, ni siquiera entrenaba a su propio hijo—estaba allí por su nieto, cuyo padre estaba ausente y cuya madre había pasado por momentos muy difíciles. Vince no dudó. Dio un paso al frente y crió a ese niño como si fuera suyo. Estuvo presente en cada práctica. Cada juego. Cada momento. Incluso cuando nuestros hijos llegaron a la preparatoria, y la situación familiar del nieto se estabilizó tras el nuevo matrimonio de su madre, aún me encontraba con Vince en los partidos escolares. No tenía que estar ahí—pero ahí estaba. Sin buscar reconocimiento, sin quejarse. Solo amor, compromiso y constancia.

Al reflexionar sobre el legado de Vince, pienso en los héroes anónimos de nuestra propia comunidad: los cuidadores. Padres, hermanos, asistentes y amigos que se presentan, transportan, ayudan, animan y hacen posible que nuestros atletas vivan vidas plenas y activas. Su entrega muchas veces pasa desapercibida, pero es absolutamente esencial para lo que hacemos en SoCal Adaptive Sports.

Así que esta semana, honremos no solo a los íconos que hemos perdido, sino también a los héroes cotidianos entre nosotros, como Vince. Sigamos apareciendo los unos para los otros.

Adelante,

Chris Allen 

Director Ejecutivo

SoCal Adaptive Sports

Part-time coaches, Program Manager 

(Please send an email to chris@socaladaptivesports.org with a cover letter and resume indicating which position you are applying for.  Chris will also be happy to send you a complete job description.)

(Por favor, envíe un correo electrónico a chris@socaladaptivesports.org con una carta de presentación y un currículum indicando para qué puesto está solicitando. Chris también estará encantado de enviarle una descripción completa del trabajo.)

As an adaptive sports coach, you'll leverage your passion for sports and strong communication skills to create an inclusive environment for athletes with varying abilities. You'll develop tailored training programs, facilitate engaging activities, and foster teamwork and confidence among participants, ensuring everyone feels valued and empowered. Your role will involve actively promoting inclusivity, adapting strategies to meet individual needs, and encouraging personal growth. Your love for sports and ability to connect with others will be essential in making a positive impact in the lives of the athletes you will coach.  

¡Estamos CONTRATANDO entrenadores a tiempo parcialy asistente de marketing !

Como entrenador de deportes adaptativos, aprovecharás tu pasión por los deportes y tus fuertes habilidades de comunicación para crear un ambiente inclusivo para atletas con diversas habilidades. Desarrollarás programas de entrenamiento personalizados, facilitarás actividades atractivas y fomentarás el trabajo en equipo y la confianza entre los participantes, asegurándote de que todos se sientan valorados y empoderados. Tu papel implicará promover activamente la inclusión, adaptar estrategias para satisfacer necesidades individuales y alentar el crecimiento personal. Tu amor por los deportes y tu capacidad para conectarte con los demás serán esenciales para tener un impacto positivo en la vida de los atletas que entrenarás.  

Program Manager

The Program Manager/Coach will work directly with the Executive Director in providing expert coaching, outreach and program development.  Your job will be to provide all of the above to help us achieve our mandate to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities throughout Riverside County and other Southern California communities.

Gerente de Programa

El Gerente de Programa/Entrenador trabajará directamente con el Director Ejecutivo proporcionando coaching experto, divulgación y desarrollo de programas. Su trabajo será proporcionar todo lo anterior para ayudarnos a cumplir con nuestro mandato de mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con discapacidades en todo el condado de Riverside y otras comunidades del sur de California.

We 🥰 the Berger Foundation Iceplex (with special thanks to Jeff and Tawny and all of their staff) and how they are bringing greater inclusion to the Coachella Valley!  Please join us in a cool summer!

¡Nos encanta la Fundación Berger Iceplex (con un agradecimiento especial a Jeff y Tawnyy todo su personal) y cómo están promoviendo una mayor inclusión en el Valle de Coachella! ¡Por favor, únete a nosotros en un verano refrescante!

               Special Bonus... Returning participants will receive a USA Hockey T-Shirt! Sign up today to claim yours!

                           Expert Adaptive Archery Introduction 

We had so much fun at adaptive archery with friends at Robin Hood Archery! It was an incredible time filled with focus, laughter, and connection.

 Whether it was a bullseye or just giving it our best shot — everyone was a winner. Thanks to all who joined us for this empowering and inclusive experience!

                               Adaptive Bowling at Yucca Valley 

A big shoutout to everyone who joined us for an afternoon of strikes, smiles, and inclusion! We are the Incredibowls!

We brought the fun, the laughs, and the spirit of community. Adaptive bowling at Yucca Bowl is always a win for everyone!

                Adaptive Bowling at Fantasy Springs Every Wednesday

We had a fantastic time at adaptive bowling at Fantasy Springs Casino! The lanes were full of laughter, connection, and the joy of inclusion.

A huge thank-you to everyone who made it an unforgettable experience — fun, friendship, and the spirit of community were on full display!

                                Boccia Ball in Burbank Every Sunday 

We’re excited to announce our collaboration with the City of Burbank to bring our Boccia program to the community! This is an incredible opportunity, and we’re thrilled to offer Boccia to both newcomers and returning players alike.

A big thank you to everyone who has joined us so far — we truly appreciate your support and energy. We can’t wait to meet even more of you and continue growing together through this amazing sport!

We believe in the power of collaboration in leveling the playing field and truly bringing about societal inclusion. That's why we're listing these events and also websites of our friends who are doing phenomenal work!  Please visit below and click on the links to find out more.

Creemos en el poder de la colaboración para igualar las condiciones de juego y lograr una verdadera inclusión social. ¡Por eso estamos enumerando estos eventos y también los sitios web de nuestros amigos que están haciendo un trabajo fenomenal! Visite a continuación y haga clic en los enlaces para obtener más información.

                                      Adaptive Sports Fair in San Diego 

SoCal Adaptive Sports was proud to be a part of the Adaptive Sports Fair in San Diego on July 26, 2025! We had the pleasure of introducing and offering Boccia  to participants of all ages and abilities.

It was a wonderful day filled with new friendships, laughter, and teamwork. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, played a round, and shared in the fun. We can’t wait for the next event!

                           Multi Adaptive Sport and Art Summer Camp 

Riverside Parks and Recreation Staff Training 

We provided an adapted sport training to the City of Riverside Parks & Recreation Team! This group consistently sets the standard for inclusive programming, showing exceptional dedication to supporting people with disabilities. Riverside truly stands out as a leader in promoting inclusion, accessibility, and meaningful community progress. 

   Check out KBF! The Kelly Brush Foundation empowers people with spinal cord injuries to live active, engaged lives by providing grants for adaptive sports equipment and access to recreation. Founded after Kelly Brush’s own injury, the foundation also promotes ski racing safety and community support nationwide.

We are growing our Inland Regional Center programs, including self-determination, and continue to offer 1:1 and small group coaching and workouts.  If you'd like to take part and/or participate in any of our programs, please have SoCal Adaptive Sports assigned by your Regional Center Community Services Coordinator (CSC). Our Vendor number is PJ5601. We are open to many different modalities for bringing adaptive sports and physical, social, and emotional health to everyBODY!

Estamos ampliando nuestros programas del Inland Regional Center y seguimos ofreciendo entrenamiento y rutinas individuales y en grupos pequeños. Si desea participar y/o ya participa en alguno de nuestros programas, solicite a su Coordinador de Servicios Comunitarios del Centro Regional (CSC) que asigne a SoCal Adaptive Sports. Nuestro número de proveedor es PJ5601. ¡Estamos abiertos a muchas modalidades diferentes para llevar el deporte adaptado y la salud física, social y emocional a TODOS!

Please register for an account to always receive our newsletter and feel free to forward this newsletter to others.  

Por favor, regístrese para obtener una cuenta para recibir siempre nuestro boletín y no dude en reenviar este boletín a otras personas.