Finally, there’s some good news on the virus front! The decline in cases and hospitalizations, along with the steady increase in vaccinations, is giving us real hope of returning to our full menu of sports and recreation programming. My hope is that we’ll be back into the gym sometime this summer. But as we have all learned, nothing about this virus is predictable. Still, all of us at BORP can’t help being excited at the prospect of returning to play!

We’re also excited about several activities that we’re adding to our spring schedule. Our new kayaking program at Aquatic Park will be launched in April. We’re adding several new outdoor and online fitness classes, and BORP’s new birding program is already up and running.

So, even though we’ll have to live with the restrictions of the pandemic for some time longer, BORP still has a lot to offer. We hope you’ll join us!

From Rick Smith, Executive Director

It’s hard to believe that almost a year has gone by in our COVID-altered world. While BORP pivoted quickly to provide virtual activities and reopen the Cycling Center, our sports program was forced to go quiet. Unfortunately, as the pandemic continues, little is certain. However, one thing we do know is that BORP’s commitment to sports programming remains as strong as ever.

It’s unclear how long the pause in sports programming will last. My guess is that we’ll be unable to get back into the gym (or hockey rink) until the summer or fall, but we will be back as soon as possible.
As we prepare for that day, we’re starting the process of finding a successor for Jonathan Newman (BORP’s Adult Sports Coordinator, who’s retiring this month). It’s impossible to put into words what Jon has done to further BORP’s sports programs over the last few decades, and I won’t try to do that here (but we are planning to formally celebrate his achievements later this year).

In the meantime, everyone on the board and staff is eagerly looking forward to the day we can get back to PLAY!

Published: December 13, 2020

Article by:  David Debolt | ddebolt@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group

BORP’s programs are highlighted in this article as part of the Share the Spirit holiday holiday campaign, sponsored by the Bay Area News Group.

Article is featured on The Mercury News website.

Here at BORP, we’d like to encourage our participants to complete an important national survey about adaptive sport.
Created by Move United in partnership with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, this survey is expected to be the largest study into the impact of sport participation on the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities. 

We need your help to amplify the voice of adaptive athletes!

What’s more, BORP will be eligible for a $500 grant from Move United if enough of our participants fill out this survey. So, by completing the survey, you also help BORP secure those funds.

If you are a person with a disability age 18+, please take 15 minutes to complete the survey: https://illinoisahs.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5bcnqHNSHVMre3X