Long Beach nonprofit Playmakers is partnering with Long Beach City College and the Long Beach City College Foundation to throw the second annual Long Beach Adaptive Sports Fair on May 17.
Founded in 2016, Playmakers offers inclusive sports and recreation programs to kids and adults with disabilities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The nonprofit addresses the lack of dedicated recreation spaces for individuals with disabilities in Long Beach with advocacy and programs.
Playmakers offers programs for baseball, basketball, boccia and dance and movement where individuals with developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities can pursue their passions and make connections.
Last year, Playmakers hosted the inaugural Long Beach Adaptive Sports Fair which had over 400 attendees, dozens of sports and resource vendors and 200 volunteers. The turnout of the event massively exceeded expectations and this year, the goal is to offer more activities, resources and opportunities for individuals of all abilities to have fun and make connections.
“Honestly, I had no idea what to expect when I saw it, and you know his eyes lit up because he loves playing soccer, he loves playing baseball. He loves golf, and he has mobility issues in his shoulders and legs so seeing everybody out here and being able to get involved in all of these sports that he loves watching and now he can play and get more help in developing is awesome, and it’s a free event so it’s even better.” Said Ricky Chu, speaking about his son Skyler and their participation in the Adaptive Sports Fair, in a public statement.
The Long Beach Adaptive Sports Fair is a day of inclusive sports and recreation, including demonstrations, hands-on activities and adaptive sports clinics led by volunteers and sports experts, open to individuals of all ages and abilities.
Attendees can also explore resources, enjoy food and drinks from local vendors and connect with families, athletes and community members during this accessible event.
The second annual Long Beach Adaptive Sports Fair will take place Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Long Beach City College (3932 Faculty Ave). Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance on Eventbrite.
