Message from Executive Director:

Friends,

This weekend the world once again turns its attention to the power of sport as the Winter Paralympic Games begin. For many athletes, this moment represents year of dedication, perseverance, and belief in what is possible. 

Personally, I’m especially excited to watch the U.S. sled hockey teams compete. If you’ve never watched sled hockey before, do yourself a favor and tune in. The athleticism on display is extraordinary, and it serves as a powerful reminder that the definition of sport is far broader than many people realize.

I also want to give credit where it’s due. The NBC and USA Networks for bringing Paralympic competition into our living rooms. Their coverage gives these athletes the visibility they deserve. That kind of exposure matters. It changes perceptions, opens doors, and inspires the next generation of athletes.

Here at SoCal Adaptive Sports, that inspiration is already building as we prepare to host the USA Boccia Western Regional Tournament in Burbank this April. This is a level 2 tournament so you can play as a beginner or as an experienced roller. 

Now, if you’re watching the Paralympics this weekend and find yourself catching a little Paralympic fever, you might also be thinking: “That’s incredible… but there’s no way I could ever suit up for Team USA.”

Maybe. But don’t be so sure.

One of the most accessible entry points into the Paralympic pathway is boccia.

Boccia is a precision target sport that rewards strategy, focus, and consistency. It’s played by athletes with a wide range of physical abilities, and it is one of the most inclusive sports in the entire Paralympic program.

The good news is that you don’t have to travel far to get started. SoCal Adaptive Sports currently offers boccia programs in both Burbank and Riverside, giving athletes across Southern California the opportunity to learn the game, compete, and potentially begin their own journey along the Paralympic pathway.  

So this weekend, as you watch the Paralympic Games unfold, let yourself be inspired. Cheer loudly for Team USA and remember that for some athletes, the journey to the Paralympics begins with simply picking up a ball and giving a new sport a try.

Who knows? The next great Paralympian might already be in our community.

Onwards,
Chris Allen
Executive Director
SoCal Adaptive Sports

Amigos,

Este fin de semana el mundo vuelve a dirigir su atención al poder del deporte con el inicio de los Juegos Paralímpicos de Invierno. Para muchos atletas, este momento representa años de dedicación, perseverancia y una profunda convicción en lo que es posible.

Personalmente, estoy especialmente emocionado de ver competir a los equipos estadounidenses de hockey sobre trineo. Si nunca lo han visto, háganse un favor y sintonicen un partido. El nivel de atletismo que se muestra es extraordinario y sirve como un poderoso recordatorio de que la definición de deporte es mucho más amplia de lo que muchas personas imaginan.

También quiero reconocer a quienes lo hacen posible. NBC y USA Network merecen crédito por llevar la competencia paralímpica a nuestras salas de estar. Su cobertura les brinda a estos atletas la visibilidad que merecen. Ese tipo de exposición es importante: cambia percepciones, abre puertas e inspira a la próxima generación de atletas.

Aquí en SoCal Adaptive Sports, esa inspiración ya se está sintiendo mientras nos preparamos para organizar el Torneo Regional Occidental de Boccia de USA Boccia en Burbank este abril. Este es un torneo de Nivel 2, lo que significa que puedes participar tanto si eres principiante como si ya tienes experiencia lanzando.

Ahora bien, si estás viendo los Juegos Paralímpicos este fin de semana y empiezas a sentir un poco de fiebre paralímpica, tal vez también estés pensando: “Eso es increíble… pero no hay forma de que yo pueda competir algún día con el Equipo de Estados Unidos.”

Tal vez. Pero no estés tan seguro.

Uno de los puntos de entrada más accesibles hacia el camino paralímpico es la boccia.

La boccia es un deporte de precisión que premia la estrategia, la concentración y la consistencia. Lo practican atletas con una amplia variedad de habilidades físicas, y es uno de los deportes más inclusivos de todo el programa paralímpico.

La buena noticia es que no tienes que viajar muy lejos para comenzar. SoCal Adaptive Sports actualmente ofrece programas de boccia en Burbank y Riverside, brindando a atletas de todo el sur de California la oportunidad de aprender el juego, competir y quizás comenzar su propio camino hacia el movimiento paralímpico.

Así que este fin de semana, mientras ves desarrollarse los Juegos Paralímpicos, déjate inspirar. Anima con entusiasmo al Equipo de Estados Unidos y recuerda que para algunos atletas, el camino hacia los Juegos Paralímpicos comienza simplemente tomando una pelota e intentando un nuevo deporte.

Quién sabe… el próximo gran paralímpico podría ya estar en nuestra comunidad.

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

March is here, and we’re excited to share our Adaptive Sports programs and community events! Don’t miss out, jump in and be part of the excitement as the March Madness fun begins. All ages & Abilities are welcome here!

Were back with an Adaptive Hike this March! We’d love for you to join us on the trail. Bring your energy and sense of adventure as we enjoy the beauty of the desert, get some fresh air, and connect as a community. 

Registration

Our Riverside Adaptive Allstars Afterschool and Boccia programs are continuing this March! Coach Mike will be leading us in a supportive and welcoming Adaptive community. Join us every Friday in Riverside for a month full of fun and adventure.

Personalized Adaptive Sports Coaching with Coach Mike

We are so excited to be offering individual and small-group adaptive sports sessions! Coach Mike will be leading these fun, personalized sessions for athletes of all ages and abilities. Each session is designed to be flexible, family-friendly, and tailored to support every athlete’s goals. Reach out to learn more or get started! Contact mike@socaladaptivesports.org

Wheelchair softball in Anaheim 

Our wheelchair softball event in Anaheim brought an incredible turnout and even better energy. It was wonderful to connect with such an amazing group through a friendly game while raising awareness for inclusive sports. Moments like these remind us that EveryBody deserves the chance to play. Together, we continue breaking barriers and building a more inclusive community. Stay tuned for future dates!

Adaptive Archery at Robin Hood Academy 

Our archers continue to impress us with their focus, determination, and great attitudes. It’s amazing to watch their skills and confidence grow week after week. Their smiles and enthusiasm make every session special, and we’re proud to celebrate inclusion through adaptive sports.

Adaptive Bowling at Fantasy Springs 

Big cheers at Fantasy Lanes this month. Matthew bowled an amazing 202 with 7 strikes and a spare — no bumpers, no assistance. The Wednesday crew brought the fun with high fives, laughs, and great community all around.

Multi Sports for Adults in Diamond Bar, CA

Join us every Tuesday in Diamond Bar for Multi-Sports with Coach Mike! Fun adaptive sports, great energy, and a welcoming community for all abilities. Come play with us!

With friends in Riverside, Ca 

We love spending time with our friends in Riverside! We’re happy to offer private sessions for individuals of all abilities. It’s inspiring to see the progress, dedication, and determination our athletes bring each day. We’re proud of every step forward and can’t wait to keep growing together through adaptive sports!

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.

Certification of Recognition presented to Mike Rosenkrantz 

We are proud to celebrate Coach Mike for receiving a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Los Angeles for his continued commitment to inclusion and Adaptive sports. This well-deserved honor highlights the dedication, passion, and leadership Mike brings to our community every day. Through his work, he creates meaningful opportunities for athletes of all abilities to participate, connect, and thrive. Thank you, Mike, for your hard work and unwavering dedication—your efforts continue to break barriers in Adaptive sports. 

Alzheimer's Coachella Valley 

Coach Mike is back in the desert on Thursdays! We’re proud to collaborate with the Alzheimer’s Association of the Coachella Valley to bring adaptive sports to this wonderful community. This group is full of energy, positivity, and heart, and we’re so excited to be back sharing the joy of sports together.

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.