A BIG thank you to the more than 45 people who recently responded to the Neilsen Survey regarding BORP programming for people with spinal cord injuries.

We truly appreciate you taking the time to let us know your interests. The survey results will help us to create programs and activities that will engage our SCI community in fun and fitness with the goal of receiving the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Stay tuned as we plan these activities. In the meantime, if you want to get started exercising now please check out BORP’s website for a list of current activities. Don’t forget, we are offering a special free or discounted Neilsen pass at the fitness center for those who qualify.

If you expressed interest in the peer fitness program we will be in contact with more information in early March.

The white and blue striped BORP bus pulled up to a Stanford gym and parked to unload. A loud diesel bus engine idle was drowned out by BORP’s youth basketball team chatter and hip hop music coming from their portable speaker. They unloaded out of the bus through the stairwell and off the wheelchair lift one by one each wearing their branded Jr. Road Warriors jerseys and huge smiles. Being able to travel together to their tournament on the bus creates a sense of camaraderie, leadership, and team mentality. The youth transfer their skills and confidence over to their performance in the gym, school, home and community.        

BORP’s accessible group trip transportation service is made possible by funding from Alameda County Transportation Commission through the Special Transportation Program for Seniors and People with Disabilities (Measure B funds). This service is aimed at improving the mobility of people with disabilities and increasing access to sports and recreation activities by supplementing conventional fixed route service and addressing the current gap in accessible group trip options for youth and adults with disabilities in Alameda County.  More information about this project can be found at: here or at here.

In addition to providing transportation for BORP program participants, we also offer a fee-for-service Group Trip Service option with discounted community rates for disability groups and nonprofits. Recently, we have served Lighthouse for the Blind, Independent Living Resource Centers, Children’s Skin Disease Foundation, Providence House, and YES Nature to Neighborhoods, to name a few. Our accessible buses allow your entire group to travel together in the same vehicle whether individuals are using a wheelchair or not. This promotes an atmosphere of inclusion and boosts group morale.

If you, or someone you know is planning a group trip, let us know if you would like to inquire about an accessible bus for your outing. We appreciate the opportunity to serve our fellow community organizations.

Point of contact: BORP Transportation Coordinator, Sarah-Dawn Smith, at transportation@borp.org

Katherine Russell was a big winner at the 2018 Poker Night Fundraiser. After taking first place in this annual fundraiser for BORP’s Power Soccer program, Katherine found herself loaded down with prizes, including tickets to the SF Giants and the Curran Theater, as well as several bottles of wine.

“I was amazed at the generosity of the companies that donated the prizes,” says Katherine. “But, like me, they understand what a great organization BORP is and how it really does transform people’s lives.”

Katherine first learned about BORP in 2010 when she was making a documentary about power soccer. That experience turned her into a longtime BORP supporter. “The staff are amazing and BORP is such an incredibly well-run organization,” she says.

Katherine went to her first BORP Poker Slam several years ago. “I was a complete beginner that first year,” she says. “But that didn’t matter. It’s not so much a competition as a really friendly and fun event.”

For newbies, there’s a poker tutorial at the beginning of the evening. Katherine also points out that novices often receive tips from more experienced players during the games. “I’ve seen people who have no idea what they’re doing go on to win big pots,” says Katherine.

In fact, most years, complete beginners walk away with at least one of the prizes—and there are plenty to go around. This year, prizes include a private winery tour and tasting, tickets to the Giants and the A’s, Cal Shakes tickets, and an array of gift certificates. Still, even if you don’t leave with one of the prizes, after such a fun-filled event, everyone walks away a winner.

Click here to register.