Message from Executive Director:

Friends,

Coming out of the USA Boccia Western Regional Tournament, I find myself equal parts proud, inspired—and energized for what comes next.

What we witnessed in Burbank wasn’t just a successful tournament. It was a powerful reminder of what this sport represents at its very best.

Over the course of the weekend, athletes came together to compete, connect, and push one another to be better. We saw first-time players sharing the court with experienced competitors. We saw strategy, precision, resilience—and more than anything, joy. Boccia has a unique ability to level the playing field in a way few sports can. I speak from experience as I regularly lose in weekly matchups against our athletes.  Whether an athlete uses their hands or a ramp, everyone has a path to compete. And that spirit was alive in every match.

Just as important as what happened on the court is what we learned behind the scenes.

Hosting a tournament of this scale taught us a great deal—and we know there is still more to learn. We saw how critical clear communication is—from registration to classification to match play. We experienced firsthand the importance of well-trained officials and volunteers, and the impact they have on the athlete experience. We gained a deeper appreciation for the logistics required to create a smooth, inclusive, and competitive environment—from equipment transport to scheduling to venue setup.

We are especially grateful for the mentorship and partnership of USA Boccia throughout this process. Their guidance has been invaluable, and we will continue to lean into that relationship as we refine our approach, elevate our standards, and grow the sport in the years ahead—especially as we look toward the opportunities surrounding the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors. Your generosity made this event possible in very real ways. Because of your support, we were able to provide scholarships for numerous athletes, ensuring that cost was not a barrier to participation. You helped us meet facility and equipment needs, support our officiating crew, and create a welcoming, well-supported environment with food and refreshments for athletes, volunteers, and spectators alike. Your investment didn’t just fund an event—you helped create an experience that reflected the very best of our community.

Athletes are looking for more opportunities to play. Families are looking for pathways to get involved. Communities are eager to embrace a sport that is truly inclusive—one where even individuals with the most significant physical disabilities can fully participate and thrive.

And that brings us to what’s next.

SoCal Adaptive Sports is committed to stepping into a leadership role as ambassadors for boccia across Southern California. We will build on this momentum by expanding regular practices, supporting athlete development, training volunteers and officials, and working alongside partners like USA Boccia and the City of Burbank to grow the sport at every level.

This tournament was not the finish line—it was a starting point.

With the Paralympic movement gaining visibility and Los Angeles preparing to host the world in 2028, the opportunity in front of us is significant. We have the chance to ensure that boccia—and the athletes who play it—are not only included in that moment, but are leading it.

To everyone who made this weekend possible—our athletes, families, volunteers, officials, partners, and supporters—thank you. You helped create something special.

And we’re just getting started.

With gratitude,

Chris Allen
Executive Director
SoCal Adaptive Sports

Amigos,

Tras el Torneo Regional Occidental de Boccia de USA Boccia, me siento igualmente orgulloso, inspirado y lleno de energía por lo que viene.

Lo que presenciamos en Burbank no fue solo un torneo exitoso. Fue un poderoso recordatorio de lo que este deporte representa en su máxima expresión.

A lo largo del fin de semana, los atletas se reunieron para competir, conectarse y motivarse mutuamente a ser mejores. Vimos a jugadores que participaban por primera vez compartir la cancha con competidores experimentados. Vimos estrategia, precisión, resiliencia—y, sobre todo, alegría. El boccia tiene una capacidad única para nivelar el campo de juego como pocos deportes pueden hacerlo. Lo digo por experiencia, ya que pierdo regularmente en los enfrentamientos semanales contra nuestros atletas. Ya sea que un atleta utilice sus manos o una rampa, todos tienen un camino para competir. Y ese espíritu estuvo presente en cada partido.

Tan importante como lo que ocurrió en la cancha es lo que aprendimos detrás de escena.

Organizar un torneo de esta magnitud nos enseñó muchísimo—y sabemos que aún tenemos más por aprender. Vimos lo fundamental que es una comunicación clara, desde el registro hasta la clasificación y el desarrollo de los partidos. Experimentamos de primera mano la importancia de contar con oficiales y voluntarios bien capacitados, y el impacto que tienen en la experiencia de los atletas. También desarrollamos una mayor apreciación por la logística necesaria para crear un entorno fluido, inclusivo y competitivo, desde el transporte de equipos hasta la programación y la preparación del recinto.

Estamos especialmente agradecidos por la mentoría y la colaboración de USA Boccia durante todo este proceso. Su orientación ha sido invaluable, y seguiremos apoyándonos en esa relación mientras perfeccionamos nuestro enfoque, elevamos nuestros estándares y hacemos crecer el deporte en los próximos años—especialmente de cara a las oportunidades que rodean los Juegos Paralímpicos de 2028 en Los Ángeles.

También queremos expresar nuestro más sincero agradecimiento a nuestros patrocinadores. Su generosidad hizo posible este evento de manera muy concreta. Gracias a su apoyo, pudimos otorgar becas a numerosos atletas, asegurando que el costo no fuera una barrera para participar. Nos ayudaron a cubrir necesidades de instalaciones y equipo, apoyar a nuestro equipo de oficiales, y crear un ambiente acogedor y bien atendido con alimentos y bebidas para atletas, voluntarios y espectadores por igual. Su inversión no solo financió un evento—ayudó a crear una experiencia que reflejó lo mejor de nuestra comunidad.

Los atletas están buscando más oportunidades para participar. Las familias están buscando caminos para involucrarse. Las comunidades están listas para adoptar un deporte verdaderamente inclusivo—uno en el que incluso las personas con discapacidades físicas más significativas puedan participar plenamente y prosperar.

Y eso nos lleva a lo que sigue.

SoCal Adaptive Sports está comprometido a asumir un papel de liderazgo como embajador del boccia en todo el sur de California. Aprovecharemos este impulso ampliando las prácticas regulares, apoyando el desarrollo de atletas, capacitando a voluntarios y oficiales, y trabajando junto a aliados como USA Boccia y la Ciudad de Burbank para hacer crecer este deporte en todos los niveles.

Este torneo no fue la meta final—fue un punto de partida.

Con el movimiento paralímpico ganando visibilidad y Los Ángeles preparándose para recibir al mundo en 2028, la oportunidad que tenemos por delante es significativa. Tenemos la oportunidad de asegurar que el boccia—y los atletas que lo practican—no solo formen parte de ese momento, sino que lo lideren.

A todos los que hicieron posible este fin de semana—nuestros atletas, familias, voluntarios, oficiales, socios y patrocinadores—gracias. Ustedes ayudaron a crear algo especial.

Y apenas estamos comenzando.

Con gratitud,

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 gearing up for our very first IncrediBOWL Adaptive & Special Needs Bowling Tournament this Summer 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

May is almost here, and we’re ready to get things moving with our Adaptive Sports. We've got amazing programs and community events made for EveryBody! Join us this Spring 2026 for a month filled with connection and fun. Athletes of all ages and abilities are always welcome! 

It's time for an Adaptive Sail this Spring in Newport Beach! 

We'll be back in Riverside this May and we ready to bring in all the heat! Catch us every Friday playing Boccia and running our Afterschool Adaptive Allstars Program. We've got sports for every ability! Register now!

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

The Western Regional USA Boccia Sanctioned Tournament in Burbank, CA

Congratulations to all of our Boccia Tournament athletes and participants! Every competitor brought their best to the court, and we couldn’t be prouder of the effort, sportsmanship, and determination shown throughout the event.

Moments like these remind us exactly why we do what we do. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this tournament so meaningful and impactful—together, we continue to break barriers and create opportunities through adaptive sports.

This is what it’s all about: recognizing the potential in every individual and helping turn it into reality. A heartfelt thank you to our athletes, families, friends, and caregivers for your ongoing support and for being part of this incredible journey in Paralympic sport Boccia.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff and volunteers for helping make this event such a success. Our volunteers did an outstanding job refereeing, and timing throughout the competition. We truly couldn’t have done it without them.

We are also deeply grateful to USA Boccia for their training, guidance, and for providing meaningful opportunities to learn and grow within this sport. A special thank you as well to USA Boccia and the City of Burbank for your partnership and collaboration.

We appreciate everyone who continues to support our vision for Boccia, and we’re excited for what the future holds as we continue to grow this sport together.

A huge thank you to our Medal Level Sponsors of the Western Regional Boccia Tournament—Whittier Trust, Metropolitan Culinary Services, JLL, and SimpleBiz. Your support made this incredible competition possible!

Shoutout to our amazing Court and Community Sponsors this weekend: the Permobil Foundation, Raising Cane’s, Matia Mobility, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chick-fil-A, the Brad Korb Real Estate Group, and Garibaldina M.B. Society. We appreciate your commitment to making this event such a success!

This one-of-a-kind Paralympic-style competition wouldn’t have been possible without all of you!

Adaptive Bowling at Yucca Valley, CA

The Incredibowls are back this April! We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come as a community and the welcoming space we’ve built together. We’re all about creating a safe, inclusive environment where all abilities can connect and belong. We’re always excited to welcome new members into the group. You can find us every Tuesday in Yucca Valley for adaptive bowling and fun! 

Multi Sports for Adults in Diamond Bar, CA

We’re closing out April on a high note! This marks our final month in Diamond Bar until next season, and we couldn’t be more grateful for our incredible athletes and families. Thank you for your continued dedication, energy, and for being such a vital part of our community. We can’t wait to see you again next season!

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.

Shine for Autism Adaptive Dance

Our Adaptive Dance in Riverside was a huge success! Thank you to all our friends and families who came out to share such a fun and memorable time with us. A special thank you to the Mom’s Cooperative for doing an incredible job, along with Kris and the City of Riverside team—their staff is truly second to none and always delivers outstanding customer service. We appreciate everyone who helped make this event so special.

Alzheimer's Coachella Valley

A big thank you to Alzheimer’s Coachella Valley, and to Coach Mike for leading such an engaging and fun session! Every first Thursday of the month, our community comes together to stay active, connect, and enjoy time with one another under Coach Mike’s guidance. These gatherings not only promote movement and friendship, but also help raise awareness for Alzheimer’s in a meaningful and supportive environment.

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 this April 21st, 2026. Stay tuned for more information on our summer collaboration! 

Check out our friends at Drive Toward a Cure as they celebrate their 50th anniversary with a special concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

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.