History

Over 45 Years of Success

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.

The Berkeley City Council enthusiastically funded the proposal and the Berkeley Outreach Recreation Program (BORP) was created. It was originally housed at the Center for Independent Living (CIL) and later moved to the University of California campus.

Susan and Diane subsequently received funding for another proposal for a wheelchair sports program at a nearby school for disabled children, with the philosophy of having people with disabilities teach the courses so they can also serve as role models.

BORP was a huge success in the community and became nationally known for its innovative approach to recreation. Programs included swimming, gymnastics, camping, horseback riding, dancing, rafting and day trips. Later, a day camp was added, called Camp Kryptonite, with disabled counselors who served as role models

After two years with BORP, Susan received a Rotary scholarship to study in Australia for a year. She completed a Master’s degree at the University of Oregon and co- founded Mobility International USA (MIUSA) whose mission is to advance leadership and disability rights globally. Susan later received a MacArthur fellowship for her innovative leadership.

Diane continued to direct BORP until 1978. She then completed a Master’s degree at the University of Oregon. She worked for Eugene Parks and Recreation coordinating programs for people with disabilities. She later became the director of the Willamalane Adult Activity Center, where she served for 32 years.

Susan and Diane would like to acknowledge and thank all those who worked tirelessly its early years to make BORP a reality and all the directors and staff who have since made BORP a world renowned program with innovative activities that are changing the lives of thousands of people with disabilities.

A Timeline of BORP’s History

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.

1982
BORP Continues to Expand

Name changed to Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program, reflecting the growing number of participants from the Greater Bay Area.

1986
Youth Program

BORP launches its Youth Sports Program.

1988
More Programs Added
BORP starts the country’s first Power Soccer program, adds a new Goalball program, launches its Adventures & Outings and its Quad Rugby programs. BORP also enters the first wheelchair centipede in the SF Bay to Breakers Race.
2003
Revolution Ride

First Revolution Ride & Festival benefiting BORP programs.

2005
Adaptive Cycling Center

The BORP Adaptive Cycling Center opens.

2010
On the Move

BORP moves to the Ed Roberts Campus, opens the Fitness Center and launches a Sled Hockey program.

2015
The Disability Outdoor Access Project

Partnering with the California Coastal Conservancy, BORP launches The Disability Outdoor Access Project.

2016
Access Northern California

Access Northern California becomes part of BORP.

2020
Virtual Fitness

BORP establishes its Virtual Fitness Program, serving people across the United States and beyond.

2021
45 Years

BORP celebrates its 45th Anniversary.

2022
20 Years of the Revolution

BORP holds its 20th Revolution Ride.

Image Gallery

Bay Cruisers Varsity Team, West Coast Regional Champions, 2002.
This team went on to 2nd place nationally in 2003 and were Varsity National
Champions in 2004.
Bay Cruisers Varsity Team, West Coast Regional Champions, 2002. This team went on to 2nd place nationally in 2003 and were Varsity National Champions in 2004.
BORP sports team photo from 1991
The Bay Cruisers youth pose outside the gym at the BORP opening day, 1989.
BORP 2013 Goalball Invitational
BORP athletes happily pose at the BORP 2013 Goalball Invitational.
BORP participants and friends gather for BORP's 2002 Opening Day.
BORP participants and friends gather for BORP's 2002 Opening Day.
Young girls laughing together on raft
Girls enjoying a BORP River Rafting Trip.
BORP “wheelchair centipede” in the 1988 Bay to Breakers event in San Francisco. For years, BORP was dubbed by the San Francisco Chronicle “the heart and soul of the Bay to Breakers."
quadzilla group
BORP's Quadzilla rugby team coach Reggie Richner strategizes with the team at half time.
Group of young
The Bay Cruisers Track Team at Nationals in 1997.
The Bay Cruisers Varsity Team celebrate winning the 2004 National Champions.
The Bay Cruisers Varsity Team celebrate winning the 2004 National Champions.