Pioneering adaptive recreation and changing lives since 1976.

Mission

BORP empowers youth and adults with mobility and vision disabilities through sports, fitness, and recreational programs that foster independence, health, community, and belonging.

Vision

To be a leading force in the Bay Area in providing and sustaining innovative community-led adaptive athletics, fitness, and recreation programs that transform lives.

Impact

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of youth participants said BORP increased their confidence and self-esteem

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of participants said BORP increased their overall sense of well being

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of participants said BORP improved their mental health

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of participants said BORP increased their social connections and supportive relationships

Values

Welcoming: We nurture a culture of warmth and respect. We want everyone to have a place where they feel at home.

Fun: We create vibrant, playful spaces to explore new activities and new adventures, recognizing that it’s not always about how far or how fast we go, but about the joy of the journey.

Resourceful: To maximize the comfort and independence of our participants, we get creative. We thrive on finding inventive solutions and fostering partnerships that uplift the entire community.

Tenacious: We relentlessly push back against physical, attitudinal, and societal barriers. Show us a challenge: we will make it an opportunity.

Connecting: We believe in the transformative power of community to combat isolation and help people with disabilities thrive. At BORP our community is in the driver’s seat. We help enable people to realize they can do more than they ever thought possible. We foster spaces where participants and all involved can form deep bonds and lasting friendships.

mth and respect. We want everyone to have a place where they feel at home.

History

BORP was co-founded in 1975 by Susan Sygall and Diane Schechter.
Susan was a student at the University of California Berkeley where she was doing an independent major focusing on Recreation under the Conservation of Natural Resources department. Diane had just completed a BS in Recreation from the University of Colorado

Susan who is a wheelchair rider, was shocked that Berkeley, an innovative city which was the leader in the independent living movement, had virtually no recreation programs for people with disabilities. For her university class she designed an innovative recreation program that would offer a range of programs as well as the support services needed to facilitate participation. At the suggestion of her professor, she submitted this as a proposal to the City Council. After Diane, completed her degree, she joined Susan in Berkeley, in anticipation that the proposal would be funded.

Timeline

1975

BORP Founded

BORP co-founded in 1975 by Susan Sygall and Diane Schechter.

1976

BORP is Incorporated

BORP is incorporated as a nonprofit organization - Berkeley Outreach & Recreation Program.

1979

Transportation

BORP starts offering transportation to and from programs.

BORP Staff

Emily Seelenfreund

Executive Director

emily@borp.org

510-225-7030

Mia Feldbaum

Manager, Kayaking Program

mia@borp.org

510-256-3533

Jorge Macias

Instructor, Program Associate

jorge@borp.org

BORP Board

Kathi Pugh

Board President

Randy Randleman

Treasurer & Secretary

Kathy Zonana

Vice-President

Financial Transparency

For nearly 50 years, BORP has created life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities through adaptive sports and recreation. Our impact is powered by a passionate community of participants, volunteers, donors, and partners who believe everyone should have access to movement and belinging.

As BORP continues to strengthen existing programs and expand access across the Bay Area, we believe transparency matters. You deserve to understand how your support is used and how it fuels real impact. This commitment is reflected in our Platinum rating on Candid. BORP Adaptive Sports and Recreation relies on three main sources of giving:

Events

Community events like the Revolution Ride and Adaptive Sports Expo bring people together while directly supporting BORP programs. These events build visibility, connection, and long-term sustainability.

Individual Giving

Thousands of individual donors make BORP possible. Monthly members provide steady, reliable support that keeps programs strong and responsive year-round.

Become a monthly supporter →

Partners and Funders

Foundations, corporate partners, and public agencies help BORP expand access, innovate programs, and reach communities that are historically underrepresented in adaptive sports.