Berkeley’s BORP promotes inclusivity through cycling

October 29, 2020

Article by Gina Gotsill, Bay City News Foundation

BORP’s Director of Development, Elaine Beale was interviewed for this article which highlights how BORP pivoted to virtual programming and a virtual fundraiser – Revolution 2020 – due to the pandemic.

Article is featured on Local News Matters – Bay Area

Throughout the pandemic, the BORP Youth Wheelchair Basketball Team has continued to stay connected through weekly Zoom meetings. Led by coach Trooper Johnson, the content of the meetings has expanded beyond basketball, and the youth have been able to get to know each other even more.

Participants also discovered that their talents extend far beyond basketball. In fact, the team is full of musicians, actors, and activists. Many of the meetings have opened with mini concerts, allowing each of the interested athletes an opportunity to share their passions off the court, and to develop a new and deeper appreciation for each other. 

2020 has, of course, been an eventful year. And while the youth are not able to play sports in the gym, they’ve had lively discussions about many of the critical topics that have come up during the pandemic. Conversations have covered issues like racial justice, inclusion, and the importance of voting. Four of our recently graduating athletes registered and voted for the first time this year, something we are all proud of!

Trooper continues to follow up with the youth and offers academic support when needed. BORP has also issued equipment to some of the youth.

Naturally, everyone is looking forward to getting back to the gym as soon as possible. But in the meantime, the BORP youth report that the program has been critical in keeping them active and connected during this really challenging time.

BORP is thrilled to announce that, with a grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, we are launching a new program designed to increase opportunities for fitness and recreation for those in the spinal cord injury community (though activities will be available to all).

Offerings will include virtual classes, kayaking, adaptive cycling, interpretive hikes, sports clinics, mentoring, and an Adaptive Sports & Recreation Festival.

Says Cynthia Noonan, the BORP SCI Program Manager, “Living with a spinal cord injury myself, I know from firsthand experience how getting involved in the BORP community can be life changing. We are really excited to launch this initiative and would love to get input from the SCI community so we can best serve their needs and interests.” Feel free to send your thoughts and suggestions to Cynthia at cynthia@borp.org. 

Jonathan Newman came to BORP in 1988 when he was charged with starting a goalball program. As a volunteer, Jon did everything to make goalball one of BORP’s core programs. Continuing to build this program, in 1995 Jon organized and managed the first BORP Goalball Invitational tournament, now an annual event, running for 25 consecutive years until Covid-19 interrupted the streak earlier this year. Thirty-two years after Jon joined us, BORP has one of the strongest goalball programs in the country. (Photo caption: Jon Newman)

In 1998 Jon joined the BORP staff and took charge of the adult sports program. Power Soccer was just starting and, as he did with goalball, Jon developed one of the nation’s most successful programs. But Jon’s impact on the sport didn’t stop in the United States. In 2004, he began to extend his influence beyond our borders when he took his first international trip to Paris as a member of a delegation representing the USA at international meetings. This effort culminated in the founding of the Federacion International de Powerchair Football Associations (FIPFA). Six countries participated in the Federacion’s first tournament including Canada, Denmark, England, France, Japan, Portugal, and the U.S. In 2007 Jon refereed Power Soccer games at the first FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup in Tokyo, Japan where the USA Team, led by Chris Finn, won GOLD!

But two sports weren’t enough for Jon, and in 2000, he launched BORP’s recreational wheelchair basketball program to supplement the competitive wheelchair basketball program we already had in place. 

It’s almost impossible to neatly summarize all of Jon’s contributions to BORP and adaptive sports, but additional highlights from his career include:

1998: Pushed the entire course of the Bay to Breakers as a member of the BORP Wheelchair Centipede.

2000: Event coordinator for National Junior Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, hosted by BORP.

2004: Organized and managed BORP’s first BORP Hoops Classic. The Classic is an annual wheelchair basketball tournament for adult community level teams.

2008: Jon was a Guide Runner with Jessie Lorenz for her leg of the Olympic Torch Run in San Francisco prior to the Beijing Olympics and Paralympic Games. Jessie and the USA Women’s Goalball Team won Gold in Beijing!

2013: Started CAL goalball at UC Berkeley.

2017: The CAL Goalball Team wins the championship of BORP Goalball Invitational XXIII

In 2018: Organized the first Jonathalon, a celebration of his birthday and multiple adaptive sports.

2019: Organized and managed the first Kathryn Black Invitational (KBI), a power soccer tournament for recreational teams and athletes. Later in the year. 

Jon traveled to Peru to referee Goalball at the 2019 Parapan Games. 

In 2018 the BORP Board of Directors voted to induct Jon into BORP’s Hall of Fame to recognize his 30 years of contributions to BORP’s mission. And now, with 32 years of commitment and accomplishment, Jon leaves an amazing legacy! BORP and the entire adaptive sports community will miss his unshakable enthusiasm and commitment.

Thank you, Jonathan Newman, for everything you have given us.

BORP is piloting an equipment loan program to help people have greater access to the outdoors. Currently available are a GRIT wheelchair and two portable beach mats (16’ & 33’). To request a loan contact leo@borp.org.

Each year, BORP sends out a survey to participants to get their feedback and help us improve what we do. Here are some highlights from this year’s survey.

When we asked participants about the impact of BORP programs, this is what they told us:
97% rated BORP’s programs as either excellent or very good.
83% said BORP increased their sense of well-being.
78% said BORP had improved their mental health.
75% said BORP increased the frequency of their exercise.
74% said BORP improved their social connections and supportive relationships.
72% said BORP increased their self-confidence and self-esteem.
67% said BORP increased their ability to lead an active lifestyle.

Here are just a few comments we received from respondents to the survey:
“BORP has become a central part of who I am today. It uplifts me and supports me and teaches me. I can’t even describe how much better my life is thanks to BORP.” 

“BORP has allowed me to feel confident in myself. Before I came to BORP I felt alone and unconfident.”

“Prior to learning about BORP, I feared riding a bike and felt like a failure when I attempted it. Now I feel freedom, success and joy. I can ride with my brother, friends, and family and not feel left out.”

“I love BORP’s online fitness classes! Attending the classes has been an absolute change in my life. I’m extremely grateful to BORP’s amazing staff who have creatively encouraged all the participants to maintain our social connections and manage our mental and physical health during the uncertain times we all are facing with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

 “BORP’s excellent staff has really helped my daughter feel welcomed and valued.

Achieve Tahoe is offering guided small group educational hikes where you’ll learn about the history, ecology, & wildlife of the Tahoe area. Safety accessibility is carefully considered for each hike. Learn more and sign up here

They thoroughly research every trail and are graciously sharing it with our Access Northern California (ANC) program so that we can post this information on the ANC website. Check out the first one for Squaw Valley Trail here

Beginning last week, BORP’s Online Fitness Studio expanded its offerings with a new Adaptive Seated Yoga class with longtime BORP instructor, Nancy Yates. Every Wednesday at 2pm PDT, Nancy takes participants through a series of exercises designed to reduce joint discomfort, stiffness, stress and fatigue, and increase resilience, flexibility and strength. Sign up here.

Starting Tuesday September 1, Ralf Somack will teach a 12-week Sitting Tai chi class. It will take place at 11am PDT and is open to all levels and abilities. Participants will practice various routines and learn the first 12 forms of the gentle Sun style Tai chi set. This class will improve strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, reduces stress, and help develop inner equanimity. For information, contact fitness@borp.org.

And don’t forget, the BORP Online Fitness Studio also offers classes in cardio dance, strength and conditioning, and mindful movement!! Check them out HERE.