Local nonprofit Playmakers is returning with its third annual Long Beach Adaptive Sports Fair, a day of inclusive play, on Saturday, May 16. The event ensures that inclusion is a key factor, offering activities for all ages and abilities.
Participants can broaden their horizons by witnessing demonstrations, hands-on activities and adaptive sports clinics from volunteers and sports experts.
Over 25 sports vendors will demonstrate their offerings of baseball, standing and wheelchair basketball, boccia, dance, golf, martial arts, and soccer. The fair will also introduce first-time presenters of adaptive football, outrigger paddling, pickleball, rock climbing, chair rugby and chair volleyball.
Seven of the sports demonstrated will be a part of the 2028 Paralympic Games headed to Los Angeles and Long Beach.
The Adaptive Sports Fair is a partnership between Playmakers and Long Beach City College (LBCC), The Long Beach City College Foundation, Angel City Sports and Triumph Foundation. All collaborators are focused on backing sports programs, whether it be through financial or emotional support, and most have a background with adaptive and inclusive sports.
The Adaptive Sports Fair is part of a larger mission to create a safe and supportive environment through sports that break down societal barriers.
Playmakers is a non-profit, volunteer led organization that provides sports and enrichment programs to kids and young adults. The Long Beach City College Foundation is dedicated to providing for the emerging needs of students and staff at LBCC.
Angel City Sports and Triumph Foundation focus on empowering youth and adults with disabilities. Angel City provides free access to year-round adaptive sport opportunities to foster physical and mental wellness and unlock full potential. Triumph provides support for physical and financial obstacles through grants, equipment and recreation programs.
Playmakers will also welcome Special Flavours Community Kitchen to the fair. Special Flavors is a food truck operated by young adults on the autism spectrum and with disabilities, creating meaningful employment opportunities for people of all abilities.
The Adaptive Sports Fair will take place Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Long Beach City College (3932 Faculty Ave.). Parking and attendance for the fair is free. Reserving a spot is highly recommended to avoid long lines at the check-in stations.
