BORP brings adaptive sports and recreation to the disability community

BORP is a nonprofit organization that provides adaptive sports and recreation for people with physical disabilities.

BORP is a nonprofit organization that provides adaptive sports and recreation for people with physical disabilities.

BORP is a nonprofit organization that provides adaptive sports and recreation for people with physical disabilities.

BORP is a nonprofit organization that provides adaptive sports and recreation for people with physical disabilities.

BERKELEY, Calif. — BORP is a nonprofit organization that provides adaptive sports and recreation for people with physical disabilities. Their mission is to lower the barriers that often prevent disabled people from getting exercise, enjoying the outdoors, and building community.

“(Our) mission is basically to empower people with physical and vision disabilities through adaptive sports and recreation,” said Emily Seelenfreund, the executive director of BORP. “We run 20-plus programs a week, ranging from climbing to cycling to team sports. We really have something for everyone of all ages.”

“We have a number of sports already like cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, wheelchair basketball, and the list goes on,” said Jorge Macias, a program associate with BORP.

BORP prides itself on adapting a wide variety of sports for disabled athletes, even those sports and activities that were once thought to be inaccessible to people with physical and vision disabilities.

“I think that’s where the fun of it comes in, right?” said Macias. “Like our cycling center has about 100 types of adaptive bikes. That’s just part of trying to get most physical disabilities able to ride a bike.”

“It’s nice for people to have options,” said Seelenfreund. “And I think the disability community also deserves those options.”

At Ironworks gym in Berkeley, a number of BORP athletes regularly get together for Friday night rock climbing.

Kevin Dam has been climbing for about two years.

“It requires a lot of focus,” he said. “A lot of technique, a lot of skill, both mentally and physically. It’s a really fun challenge because it’s just you and the rock up there.”

The group at Ironworks represent a wide variety of abilities and techniques, but what brings them together is the support they have for one another.

“I really like the community aspect of it,” said Seelenfreund.

“I just fell in love with rock climbing,” said Macias. “The style of climbing, the mental and physical challenge. Also, it gives you the confidence to try new things.”

Playing sports has been proven to have numerous positive effects, and BORPs goal is to remove barriers for people with disabilities.

“We want to make BORP as accessible as possible,” said Macias. “We even provide transportation.”

“That helps get people to our programs,” he added, “build that trust and that community.”

For more information, visit their website.