Sportable Program Guide

From cycling to pickleball, rock climbing to basketball, Sportable programs has something for everyone!

Whether you want to play for fun or are searching for a competitive team, check out these programs.

Click the program titles below to learn more about each of our core programs! Look for an asterisk (*) next to new programs.

NOTE: If you are not a current Sportable Member, please submit an interest form to learn more about registration.

Wellness Programming

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Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention and being present to the here and now. During these live group sessions, you'll learn tools and strategies you can apply to your daily life as well as benefit from support and wisdom from peers with disabilities who may have similar lived experience to your own. The group is led by Alison Bonds Shapiro and Steve Fidrych who are trained Mindfulness instructors.

Dates: Starting January 9, 2025, Sportable's Mindfulness group will meet 2x/month, every 2nd and 4th Thursday

Time: 12:00-1:00 PM

Location: Zoom

Who: Open to anyone 18 years of age or older who has a physical disability or visual impairment and can follow age appropriate instruction. Sportable Membership NOT required.

Creative Healing Art + Music Therapy

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The Center for Creative Healing partners with Sportable to offer Music and Art Therapy groups that inspire creativity, connection, and confidence. In Art Therapy, participants explore hands-on projects to express themselves. In Music Therapy, participants enjoy singing, playing instruments, movement, and songwriting. There is no prior experience needed! Sessions are led by licensed creative arts therapists. These sessions are fun, accessible, and designed to build community and well-being. All materials will be provided.

Dates:

  • November 6, 2025
  • November 20, 2025
  • December 4, 2025
  • December 11, 2025
  • December 18, 2025

Time: 1:00-2:00 PM

Location: 830 Southlake Boulevard VA 23236

  • We will be meeting in the downstairs meeting room.

Who: Open to ALL Sportable members, 18 years and older.

* ComMotion - Virtual Seated Dance & Movement

mentor / wellness

In partnership with ComMotion - Community in Motion, Sportable is proud to bring you this VIRTUAL Seated Dance & Movement workshop! Join us via Zoom to move your body and have some fun together. This workshop will combine fitness, flexibility, and dance to vibrant music!

ComMotion is a non-profit that builds community and improves well-being through adaptive and inclusive movement. Their unique multi-sensory programs have reached, inspired, and moved more than 30,000 people from around the world. To learn more about ComMotion, visit www.ComMotionNC.org and https://www.facebook.

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Time:4:00-5:00 PM

Location: Zoom - you will receive an email 2 days before the program with the Zoom information.

Who: Open to anyone aged who has a physical disability or visual impairment and can follow age appropriate instruction. Sportable Membership NOT required.

Adaptive Sports Programming

2023.0105 Basketball News

Designed for adult wheelchair basketball athletes with permanent lower limb impairments (i.e. Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injury, Amputee, Cerebral Palsy, and others). Wheelchair basketball promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. Not all players use wheelchairs for everyday mobility. Players must be able to independently push themselves in a sports wheelchair.

Date:

  • Thursdays, September 4-December 11, 2025
  • Thursdays, January 8-April 9, 2026

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Location: Manchester Middle School - 7401 Hull Street Rd N, Richmond, VA 23235

Who: Adult Sportable Members with a permanent lower limb disability, interested in competing in competitive wheelchair basketball opportunities. Interested in joining?

Email Tyler@sportable.org to learn if you may be eligible.

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Designed for kids ages 5 through high school with permanent lower limb impairments (e.g. Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injury, Amputee, Cerebral Palsy, and others). Wheelchair basketball promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and FUN! Not all players use wheelchairs for everyday mobility.

Players must be able to independently push themselves in a sports wheelchair.

Dates:

  • Tuesdays, September 2-December 9, 2025
  • Tuesdays, January 6-April 7, 2026

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM

Location: Manchester Middle School - 7401 Hull Street Rd N, Richmond, VA 23235

Age Groups:

  • Prep Division - ages 13 and under
  • Varsity Division - age 13 through High School

Who: Open to Sportable members, 5 years old through high school, who have a physical disability that impacts their lower body and can push themselves in a manual wheelchair. Players do NOT have to use a wheelchair for everyday mobility. Examples of Player Conditions: Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Leg Amputees, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Arthrogryposis, Club foot, Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

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Sportable's Women's Wheelchair Basketball Team, the Virginia Vortex, will be kicking off the 2025-2026 NWBA Season with an open practice this summer for girls, women, or non-binary athletes looking to participate. Some experience required!

Designed specifically for girls, women, and non-binary athletes aged 16 and up with permanent lower limb impairments, this clinic will focus on individual skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Led by Director of Adaptive Programs, Tyler Rowe, the VA Vortex will be running through a practice with some scrimmaging towards the end to get ready for this upcoming season.

Date: First Saturday of the month

  • Saturday, September 6, 2025
  • Saturday, October 4, 2025
  • Saturday, November 1, 2025
  • Saturday, December 6, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Location: Manchester Middle School - 7401 Hull Street Rd N, Richmond, VA 23235

Who: Open to girls, women, and non-binary athletes aged 16 and up with permanent lower limb impairments. Sportable membership not required. Participants do not have to use a wheelchair for everyday mobility.

Email tyler@sportable.org if you're interested in joining.

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Sportable’s adaptive erging program provides accessible facilities, elite equipment, breathtaking skyline views, and the most experienced para rowing coaching staff in the region. The curriculum focuses on technical work over race training, race preparation, and strategy, with the opportunity to compete in regional regattas.

Date: Wednesdays, September 24-November 12, 2025

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM

Location: Virginia Boat Club at Rocketts Landing - 4708 Old Main St, Richmond, VA 23231

Who: Open to Sportable members, 14 years old and older

cycling

Designed exclusively for advanced cyclists, Sportable’s Road Warriors Advanced Cycling team will have weekly workouts to maximize biking skill with focus on performance. Experienced coaches will provide you with additional workouts to complete on your own and will encourage you to use available technology to track your progress. You must own or lease a cycle from Sportable (limited availability) and also have a stationary trainer.

These sessions will be held virtual through the Zwift platform. You must have a membership to Zwift to participate. Financial assistance for Zwift memberships can be applied for by clicking here.

Date: Mondays, October 20, 2025-March 16, 2026

Time: 5:45-7:45 PM; the virtual ride starts PROMPTLY at 6:00 PM

Location: Zwift

Who: Open to Sportable members, 14 years and older, who have their own cycle or are leasing a cycle from Sportable (limited availability). Athletes must also own or lease from Sportable (limited availability) a smart trainer compatible with Zwift. Younger participants may join with prior permission from program staff.

Interested in joining? Email lucille@sportable.org to learn if you may be eligible. 

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Discover the joy of Wheelchair Ballroom Dance! Sportable is thrilled to partner with Fred Astaire Dance Studio Richmond to bring you an inclusive dance experience. Learn some fundamentals of ballroom dance in a fun and supportive group environment during this introductory pop-up clinic!

Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025

Time: 2:00-3:00 PM

Location: Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Richmond - 100 Arboretum Pl #110, Richmond, VA 23236

Who: This program is for individuals with physical disabilities ages 18 and older. Sportable membership not required. All participants will use a wheelchair for the dance class. Participants do not have to use a wheelchair for everyday mobility.

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Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the country, combines many elements of tennis, badminton, racquetball, and ping-pong. Advanced Pickleball is a fast-paced game of strategy and precision for experienced players. Players will work on tournament-level pickleball skills with or without the presence of Sportable pickleball coaches.

This program is designed for adult athletes with advanced (3.0+) pickleball skills who plan to play at the tournament level. Athletes who plan to play in a sports chair must bring their own sports chair.

Dates: Sundays, January 5-December 28, 2025

Time: 6:00 - 10 PM

Location: Bangers & Dinks - 1516 Koger Center Blvd, Richmond, VA 23235

  • The program will be held at Performance Pickleball on December 8th, 2024 - 8641 Quioccasin Rd, Henrico, VA 23229

Who: Open to Sportable members, 18 years and older, who have experience playing pickleball. Athletes can play standing or in a sports wheelchair. This program is designed for adult athletes with advanced (3.0+) pickleball skills who plan to play at the tournament level. Wheelchair pickleball players must bring their own sports chair. Younger players may join with prior permission from program staff.

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Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the country, combines many elements of tennis, badminton, racquetball, and ping-pong. Intermediate Pickleball Players will have already learned court mobility, the different strokes and when to use them, and the rules and scoring of the game. They will increase their skills and improve strength and cardiovascular health under the instruction of Sportable pickleball coaches.

This program is designed for adult athletes with intermediate (2.5+) pickleball skills. Athletes who plan to play in a sports chair must bring their own sports chair.

Dates: Select Sundays (Program Leadership will Contact You)

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM

Location: Bangers & Dinks - 1516 Koger Center Blvd, Richmond, VA 23235

Who: Open to Sportable members, 18 years and older, who have experience playing pickleball.  Athletes can play standing or in a sports wheelchair. This program is designed for adult athletes with intermediate (2.5+) pickleball skills. Wheelchair pickleball players must bring their own sports chair. Younger players may join with prior permission from program staff.

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Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the country, combines many elements of tennis, badminton, racquetball, and ping-pong. The game is played on a badminton-size court with two to four players, paddles, and a ball similar to a wiffle ball. Pickleball is easy to learn and welcomes beginners of all ages and abilities. It can also develop into a fast-paced game of strategy and precision for experienced players. Participants will learn court mobility, the different strokes and when to use them, and the rules and scoring of the game—all while improving strength and cardiovascular health in a fun group instruction environment.

If you are already registered for intermediate or advanced pickleball, please contact Amy at amy@sportable.org before registering for this clinic.

Date: Friday, November 7, 2025

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM

Location: Bon Air United Methodist Church - 1645 Buford Rd, Richmond, VA 23235

Who: Open to ALL Sportable members, 8 years and older. Players may play in sports chairs or standing.

pickleball

Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the country, combines many elements of tennis, badminton, racquetball, and ping-pong. The game is played on a badminton-size court with two to four players, paddles, and a ball similar to a wiffle ball. Pickleball is easy to learn and welcomes beginners of all ages and abilities. It can also develop into a fast-paced game of strategy and precision for experienced players. Participants will learn court mobility, the different strokes and when to use them, and the rules and scoring of the game—all while improving strength and cardiovascular health in a fun group instruction environment.

If you are already registered for intermediate or advanced pickleball, please contact Amy at amy@sportable.org before registering for this clinic.

Date: Friday, December 5, 2025

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM

Location: Bon Air United Methodist Church - 1645 Buford Rd, Richmond, VA 23235

Who: Open to ALL Sportable members, 8 years and older. Players may play in sports chairs or standing.

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Get an adrenaline rush and change your beliefs about what is possible with Rock Climbing! Sportable is proud to partner with experts in adaptive rock climbing, Beyond Boundaries and Peak Experiences, to bring introductory rock climbing sessions in a casual, fun, and inclusive environment. Rock climbing can be a gateway to a lifetime of adventure!

Date: Tuesdays, November 4-November 18, 2025

Time: 6:00-7:00 PM, Group time preferences will be honored on a first come first serve basis.

Location: Peak Experience - 1375 Overbrook Road Richmond, VA 23220

Who: Open to ALL Sportable members, 5 years and older.

2022.1201 Rugby

Interested in an intense, fast-paced, team-based sport? Join the Sportable Possums Wheelchair Rugby team – no previous wheelchair rugby experience is required! The beginner/intermediate training curriculum will focus on building a foundational knowledge of the sport, skill development, equipment selection, and teamwork.

Dates: Mondays, October 20-December 15, 2025

Time: 5:30-7:15 PM

Location: Humphrey Calder Community Center - 414 North Thompson Street, Richmond, VA 23221

Who: Open to Sportable members, 14 years and older, who have a physical disability that impairs movement of 3-4 limbs and can push themselves in a manual wheelchair. Players may use a powerchair or other assistive device for everyday mobility. Examples of Player Conditions: Quadriplegic Spinal Cord Injuries, Muscular Dystrophy, Multi-limb Amputees, Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. Younger players may join with prior permission from program staff.

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Whether you are training for fun, or to set a personal record, join Sportable’s Road Racing Program! All paces, ages, and abilities are welcome with wheelchair racing and guided run/jog/walk opportunities available.

This season's training will prepare athletes for the Richmond Marathon in November.

If you plan to compete in the Richmond Marathon with Sportable support, you must meet the requirements outlined below:

  1. You must meet with coaches to discuss the best course of action and best event through regular check-ins, training session attendance and program plans.
  2. You will be responsible for registration for the event.

Date: Saturday, September 13-November 8, 2025

Time: 8:00-11:00 AM

Location: Hardywood West Creek - 820 Sanctuary Trail Drive, Richmond, VA 23238

Who: Open to ALL Sportable members, 14 years and older

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This swimming program, in partnership with NOVA of Virginia Aquatics is led by NOVA’s full time professional coaches who are Certified Para Swimming Coaches (PSCC) as well as USA Swimming Certified. It is designed for athletes from Novice to Competitive, interested in strengthening their swimming skills and improving their fitness. You will have the opportunity to increase your comfort in the water, learn skills, drills and multiple stroke techniques, as well as improve your overall endurance. Athletes participating in this program must possess the potential to be independent in the water.

Dates: Thursdays, September 18-November 6, 2025

Times:

  • 5:15-6:00 PM
    • Session Style: Swim Lesson
      • Athletes looking for more 1:1 support or looking to learn foundations of swimming should sign up for this time slot. In addition, athletes looking to get additional coaching from NOVA Swim coaches should sign up as well.
  • 6:00-6:45 PM
    • Session Style: Team Practice & Open Swim
      • Athletes looking to get swim practice in should sign up for this slot. In addition, athletes that are interested in competing after working with NOVA coaches should sign up for this slot.

Location: NOVA of Virginia Aquatics - Regency - 100 NOVA Way, Richmond, VA 23229

Who: Open to Sportable members, 5 years and older who can or have the potential to swim at least one length of the pool (any stroke) unassisted.

Notes:

  • Athletes in both time slots must be able to follow group instruction in the water.
  • Athletes MAY register for both time slots!
  • NOVA does NOT allow athletes that are incontinent to use their pool facilities.

Not sure if Swimming or Aquatics is right for you? Reach out to abbie@sportable.org.

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Discover the fast-paced excitement of Wheelchair Ultimate Frisbee! This hands-on clinic introduces participants to the fundamentals of throwing, catching, and team strategy in a fully inclusive and dynamic environment. Led by experienced Ultimate players, attendees will learn how to maneuver effectively, communicate on the court, and apply key offensive and defensive tactics via drills before participating in a 4v4 scrimmage. Whether you’re new to wheelchair sports or looking to expand your adaptive recreation offerings, this session provides both practical skills and development for all.

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Location: Beulah Recreation Center - 6901 Hopkins Road, Chesterfield, VA 23234

Who: Open to individuals who are 14 and up who have a physical disability and can manually push their own sports wheelchair.