Our friend, Misako Akimoto, a documentary photographer who had been chronicling BORP athletes for the last decade, has launched a Kickstater campaign to publish a book of her beautiful black and white photos entitled, Power Play.  The book documents three East Bay communities of disabled people (one being BORP’s athletes) of all ages who are on the move.

Movement comes in all forms, and in many places. From a wheelchair to a sled, from the ice to the hardwood, to being out in public, movement is movement. The things we teach on the court and on the ice carry over into life skills.

In Power Play, Misako shines her unique light on the disability community. She helps us see her photography subjects as the strong, able and vibrant folks that they are.  She says, “In our society I see walls built up around groups, especially for the physical differences. Most people just don’t know much about the reality of those walled out of the community. My tool, documentary photography, is there for such cases.”

To see more of the images from Power Play, or to make a contribution, visit Misako’s Kickstarter page

Misako took her photographs over a four year period and built a touching body of work in rich black and white images to represent these worthy people, able-bodied and disabled alike.

There will be over 144 images printed in black and white, on 96 pages. The Kickstarter funding will allow Misako to realize her goal to print and distribute Power Play, allowing others to experience these remarkable people. All the photographs for the book have been taken. The book has been designed, edited, and is ready to print.  Infinity Press in San Carlos, CA, will print the book if the funding goal is met.  Minimum pledge to receive a copy of the book: $30.