Message from Executive Director:

Friends:

I don’t know about your house, but at mine weekends aren’t for resting. Spring weekends, in particular, tend to revolve around baseball.

This past weekend was especially full. My oldest son is playing locally in college, and I had the chance to watch him and his teammates compete at a really high level. College baseball is some of my favorite baseball to watch—there’s a purity to the game that’s hard to beat. I’m also hoping to catch one of my former Little League players on TV this weekend, as he’s playing in a Power 5 Conference back east and is likely to get drafted by MLB later this summer. 

Closer to home, it was also Opening Day for my youngest son at our local Little League which meant a weekend that included a couple of games and a practice. One of the great—and most chaotic—traditions of Opening Day is the introduction of the teams followed by the ceremonial running of the bases. It’s always fun watching the tee-ballers stop at each base, needing to be gently coaxed to the next… or the occasional little one who decides to run the bases in the wrong direction—or skip a few entirely.

But the best part of the day wasn’t the chaos or the comedy—it was the Challenger Division.

As many of you know, Challenger is a division of Little League open to players ages 4–18 with physical and developmental disabilities. It was an amazing sight to watch these kids take their turn around the bases—some in wheelchairs, one using a walker, and a couple getting an assist from a parent. What made it truly special, though, was that the rest of the league—players from every team—encircled the bases, offering the loudest cheers and enthusiastic high-fives as each Challenger athlete made their way around the diamond.

What excited me most was seeing those typically developing kids show up—not out of obligation, but with genuine joy—to make the experience real and authentic for their Challenger peers.

And it doesn’t stop there. Our Little League assigns each Challenger player a “Buddy” from the upper divisions—someone who attends games and practices, offering peer-to-peer encouragement, support, and sometimes a little friendly coaching.

That’s inclusion in action.

It’s also a powerful reminder of why organizations like SoCal Adaptive Sports exist. Sport has the unique ability to break down barriers, build confidence, and foster community in ways few other things can. Whether it’s a Little Leaguer helping a Challenger athlete round second base, or one of our boccia athletes stepping onto the court for the first time, these moments matter. They shape perceptions, create belonging, and remind us that Every Ability deserves a chance to play—EveryBODY belongs.

As we continue preparing for the USA Boccia Western Regional Tournament this April in Burbank, I’m reminded that the work we do isn’t just about competition—it’s about creating spaces where athletes of all abilities are seen, supported, and celebrated by their peers and their communities.

Thank you for helping us make those moments possible.

Onwards,
Chris Allen
Director Ejecutivo
SoCal Adaptive Sports

Amigos:

No sé cómo será en su casa, pero en la mía los fines de semana no son para descansar. Los fines de semana de primavera, en particular, suelen girar en torno al béisbol.

Este fin de semana pasado estuvo especialmente lleno. Mi hijo mayor está jugando béisbol universitario localmente, y tuve la oportunidad de verlo a él y a sus compañeros competir a un nivel muy alto. El béisbol universitario es uno de mis favoritos para ver—hay una pureza en el juego que es difícil de superar. También espero poder ver este fin de semana en la televisión a uno de mis antiguos jugadores de Little League, ya que está jugando en una conferencia Power 5 en la costa este y probablemente será seleccionado en el draft de la MLB más adelante este verano.

Más cerca de casa, también fue el Día de Apertura para mi hijo menor en nuestra Little League local, lo que significó un fin de semana que incluyó un par de juegos y una práctica. Una de las grandes—y más caóticas—tradiciones del Día de Apertura es la presentación de los equipos, seguida por la carrera ceremonial de las bases. Siempre es divertido ver a los jugadores de tee-ball detenerse en cada base, necesitando que los animen suavemente a avanzar a la siguiente… o al pequeño ocasional que decide correr las bases en la dirección equivocada—o saltarse algunas por completo.

Pero la mejor parte del día no fue el caos ni la comedia—fue la División Challenger.

Como muchos de ustedes saben, Challenger es una división de Little League abierta a jugadores de entre 4 y 18 años con discapacidades físicas y del desarrollo. Fue una escena increíble ver a estos niños tomar su turno alrededor de las bases—algunos en sillas de ruedas, uno usando un andador, y un par recibiendo ayuda de uno de sus padres. Lo que realmente lo hizo especial, sin embargo, fue que el resto de la liga—jugadores de todos los equipos—rodearon las bases, ofreciendo los aplausos más fuertes y entusiastas choques de manos mientras cada atleta de Challenger avanzaba alrededor del diamante.

Lo que más me emocionó fue ver a esos niños con desarrollo típico participar—no por obligación, sino con alegría genuina—para hacer que la experiencia fuera real y auténtica para sus compañeros de Challenger.

Y no termina ahí. Nuestra Little League asigna a cada jugador de Challenger un “Compañero” de las divisiones superiores—alguien que asiste a los juegos y prácticas, ofreciendo ánimo entre pares, apoyo y, a veces, un poco de orientación amistosa.

Eso es inclusión en acción.

También es un poderoso recordatorio de por qué existen organizaciones como SoCal Adaptive Sports. El deporte tiene la capacidad única de derribar barreras, construir confianza y fomentar la comunidad de maneras que pocas otras cosas pueden lograr. Ya sea un jugador de Little League ayudando a un atleta de Challenger a llegar a la segunda base, o uno de nuestros atletas de boccia pisando la cancha por primera vez, estos momentos importan. Moldean percepciones, crean pertenencia y nos recuerdan que Cada Habilidad merece la oportunidad de jugar—Todos pertenecen.

Mientras continuamos preparándonos para el Torneo Regional Oeste de USA Boccia este abril en Burbank, recuerdo que el trabajo que hacemos no se trata solo de competencia—se trata de crear espacios donde atletas de todas las habilidades sean vistos, apoyados y celebrados por sus compañeros y sus comunidades.

Gracias por ayudarnos a hacer posibles estos momentos.

Adelante,

Chris Allen
Director Ejecutivo
SoCal Adaptive Sports

Help us create opportunities for athletes of all abilities.

Ayúdanos a crear oportunidades para atletas de todas las habilidades.

We’re excited to host the Western USA Boccia Sanctioned Tournament (Level II) in April 2026. This beginner-friendly event welcomes athletes of all abilities and focuses on inclusion, confidence-building, friendship, and gaining valuable boccia experience in a supportive environment. It’s a great opportunity to be part of a growing Paralympic sport and a vibrant boccia community.

We’re looking for passionate volunteers to help bring the Western - USA Boccia Sanctioned Tournament (Level II) to life. Join us April 10–12, 2026 and be part of an inclusive, inspiring event that celebrates athletes of all abilities. Sign up, get involved, and help us create an unforgettable experience. Contact Mike@socaladaptivesports.org

Volunteer Registration

We are calling on local companies and organizations to show their support by sponsoring the Western Regional Boccia Tournament and helping us build opportunities, community, and inclusion through sport. For further information please contact Coach Mike at Mike@SoCalAdaptiveSports.org

Sponsorship Details

We’re gearing up for our very first IncrediBOWL Adaptive & Special Needs Bowling Tournament this Spring 2026 and we’re looking for amazing sponsors to help bring this unforgettable day to life. Join us in creating a joyful, empowering event that proves sports are for Every Ability. EveryBODY.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Chris@socaladaptivesports.org

Check out our March lineup filled with exciting adaptive sports and community events. There’s something for everyone. Come try a new activity, stay active, and be part of the fun all month long. Let the March Madness begin! 

Join us every Friday in Riverside for Adaptive Allstars Afterschool and Boccia! Children and athletes of all abilities can enjoy inclusive sports, arts, and friendly competition led by Coach Mike in a welcoming adaptive community.

It’s that time of year again! Wheelchair Softball is rolling back into Anaheim this March! Join us for this FREE, action-packed event full of fun, teamwork, and excitement that you won’t want to miss it!

Personalized Adaptive Sports Coaching with Coach Mike

Coach Mike is now offering individual and small-group adaptive sports sessions for athletes of all ages and abilities! These fun, family-focused sessions are flexible and personalized to fit your goals and lifestyle. Reach out to learn more or get started! mike@socaladaptivesports.org

Adaptive Bowling at Fantasy Springs 

Looking for a fun and welcoming activity where your loved one can build friendships and grow confidence? Join us on the lanes, to have the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and build community with others who truly understand.

Multi Sports for Adults in Diamond Bar, CA

Every Tuesday from 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, our incredible community gathers at Pantera Park for an afternoon of adaptive sports, connection, and fun. Athletes of all abilities come together to try a variety of activities, build skills, and support one another in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Boccia in Riverside, CA

Our all-new Boccia program in Riverside is off to an exciting start! Over the past month, participants have connected with new friends, strengthened relationships, and experienced the joy of inclusive competition through this inspiring Paralympic Games sport. We’re proud to see our community growing both on and off the court as we continue creating spaces where athletes of all abilities can thrive.

Adaptive Allstars in Riverside, CA

The momentum in Riverside has been incredible this year! Our sessions have been filled with energy, teamwork, and unforgettable moments. Each month, our Adaptive Allstars community continues to grow stronger. 

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.

Burbank Adaptive Sports Expo 

Coach Mike led Boccia at the Burbank Adaptive Sports Expo, introducing new and incredible friends to this exciting and inclusive game. Participants enjoyed some friendly competition while learning more about Boccia and its place in the Paralympic Games.

Los Angeles Adaptive Sports Fair

Coach Mike led Boccia at the Los Angeles Adaptive Sports Fair, bringing energy, inclusion, and friendly competition to the day! In collaboration with our incredible partners at Angel City Sports, we helped build awareness for adaptive sports through the power of play. Together, we created meaningful connections, unforgettable memories, and opportunities for athletes of all abilities to shine.

We’re excited to spotlight our friends at the Lake Elsinore Storm! This summer, we’ll be teaming up for an exciting baseball fundraiser and we can’t wait to share more details soon. In the meantime, be sure to check out their upcoming All Abilities Night happening in April. Stay tuned for more information on our summer collaboration! 

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.

Part-time Coaches & Volunteer Leaders

(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.)

Coach

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. 

Entrenador

Como entrenador de deportes adaptados, aprovecharás tu pasión por el deporte y tus sólidas habilidades de comunicación para crear un entorno inclusivo para atletas con diversas habilidades. Desarrollarás programas de entrenamiento personalizados, facilitarás actividades dinámicas y fomentarás el trabajo en equipo y la confianza entre los participantes, asegurando que todos se sientan valorados y empoderados. Tu función implicará promover activamente la inclusión, adaptar estrategias para satisfacer las necesidades individuales y alentar el crecimiento personal. Tu amor por el deporte y tu capacidad para conectar con los demás serán esenciales para generar un impacto positivo en la vida de los atletas a los que entrenes.