From cycling to pickleball, rock climbing to basketball, the winter slate of Sportable programs has something for everyone!
Whether you want to play for fun or are searching for a competitive team, check out these programs.
NOTE: If you are not a current Sportable Member, please submit an interest form to learn more about registration.
Wellness Programming
Mindfulness
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 will be led by Alison Shapiro, a trained Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction teacher, with assistance from Steve Fidrych.
Dates: Starting January 11, 2024, 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 who has a physical disability or visual impairment and can follow age appropriate instruction. Sportable Membership NOT required.
Virtual Chair Yoga
Join us for a virtual chair yoga class with experienced yoga instructor and wheelchair-user, Sheila Luellen. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, you'll find this class welcoming and uplifting. We'll focus on gentle movements, deep breathing, and mindfulness, helping you find inner peace and appreciation for your body and mind
Date: Monday, May 20
Times: 4:00-5:00 PM
Location: This class is taking place virtually through Zoom! You'll be sent the link after you complete your registration.
Who: Open to any Virginia resident who has a physical disability or visual impairment and can follow age appropriate instruction. Sportable Membership NOT required.
Adaptive Sports Programming
Boccia
Boccia is is fun for both beginners and experts! A strategic game of precision and control, each side starts with six balls with the goal of getting your balls closer to the white jack ball than your opponent. Balls can be thrown, rolled, or maneuvered with the assistance of a ramp; making Boccia one of Sportable's most inclusive sports.
Dates: Thursdays, May 9-May 30, 2024
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: Beulah Rec Center - 6901 Hopkins Rd, Richmond, VA 23234
Who: Open to ALL Sportable members, 5 years and older.
Advanced Cycling - Outdoor
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.
Dates: Mondays, March 18-October 14, 2024
Time: 6:00-7:45 PM
Location: Hardywood West Creek (Upper Lot) - 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr, Richmond, VA 23238
Who: Open to Sportable members, 14 years and older, who have their own cycle or are leasing a cycle from Sportable (limited availability) and can transport their cycle to the program independently. Younger participants may join with prior permission from program staff.
Adult Competitive Wheelchair Basketball
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.
Dates: Thursdays, June 13-August 15, 2024
- There will be no practice Thursday, July 4, 2024
Location: Bon Air Baptist Church - 2531 Buford Road, Richmond, VA 23235
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Who: Restricted to Sportable Rim Riders Team members. Interested in joining? Email Tyler@sportable.org to learn if you may be eligible.
Youth Wheelchair Basketball
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: Thursday, June 13-August 15, 2024
- There will be no practice Thursday, July 4, 2024
Times: 5:00-7:00 PM
Location: Bon Air Baptist Church - 2531 Buford Road, 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.
CP Soccer
Learn new skills and experience the benefits of playing soccer at Sportable’s CP Soccer Program!
Designed exclusively for youth ages 5-high school with ambulatory cerebral palsy, stroke, or traumatic brain injury, the CP Soccer Program will focus on introducing skills, drills, small-sided activities, and most importantly – FUN!
The CP Soccer Program is open to players of all levels – no previous experience necessary - who will be led by expert coaches, including former U.S. Paralympic National Team player, Nick Creasey, and USSF A Licensed Soccer Director, Joe Farrell.
Dates: Sundays, April 21-June 2, 2024
- No practice Sunday, May 12
Time: 1:00 to 2:30pm
Location: SCOR Outdoor Field - 1385 Overbrook Road, Richmond, VA 23220
Who: Open to YOUTH Sportable members, 5 years through high school, who have Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, or Traumatic Brain Injury and can walk independently.
Lacrosse
Wheelchair Lacrosse is perfect for athletes interested in a challenging sport that packs a punch and is played with speed, finesse, and teamwork. Expert coaching is provided to train the team for demanding, fast-paced competition regionally and nationally.
Date: Mondays, June 17-August 19, 2024
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Location: Shooter's Indoor Sportsplex - 6140 Brad McNeer Pkwy, Midlothian, VA 23112 (indoor hockey rink w/ boards around the perimeter)
Who: Open to Sportable members, 14 years and older, 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, Lower Limb Amputees, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis)
Adult Advanced 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.
This program is designed for adult athletes with intermediate and advanced (3.0+) pickleball skills who plan to play at the tournament level. Athletes must bring their own sports chair.
Dates: Sundays, November 5, 2023-June 30, 2024
- There is no practice December 24, 2023
Time: 6:30 - 10 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 or tennis. Athletes can play standing or in a sports wheelchair. This program is designed for adult athletes with intermediate and advanced (3.0+) pickleball skills who plan to play at the tournament level. Athletes must bring their own sports chair. Younger players may join with prior permission from program staff.
Power Soccer
Join the Sportable Hive Power Soccer Team! Power Soccer is designed specifically for athletes who use a power wheelchair for mobility and is played by attaching a guard to the front of the power wheelchair to push an 18” ball.
Please note that athletes must have their own power wheelchairs to participate in this program.
Dates: Tuesdays, February 6th-March 26th, 2024
Times: Recreational Team - 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: Beulah Recreational Center - 6901 Hopkins Rd, North Chesterfield VA 23234
Who: Open to Sportable members, 5 years and older, who have a powerchair and are able to drive it independently.
Rowing
The high performance adaptive rowing program provides accessible facilities, elite equipment, breathtaking skyline views, and the most experienced para rowing coaching staff in the region. In partnership with Richmond Community Rowing, this program will include eight weeks on the water (weather permitting) to focus on technical work, the fundamentals of rowing, and race training.
When: Mondays, April 22-June 3, 2024
- No practice Monday, May 27
Times: 5:30-6:30 PM or 6:30-7:30 PM
Location: Virginia Boat Club at Rockett’s Landing - 4708 E Old Main St Richmond, VA 23231
Who: Open to ALL Sportable members, 14 years and older.
Note: These sessions will be outside, weather dependent. If weather is not favorable for on-the-water practice, sessions will be inside.
Rock Climbing
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!
When: Wednesdays, February 28-March 27, 2024
- Note that you are registering to attend all 4 sessions.
Times: 6:00-7:00 PM OR 7:15-8:15 PM
- You will be placed into one timeslot.
Location: Peak Experience - 1375 Overbrook Road Richmond, VA 23220
Who: Open to ALL Sportable members, 5 years and older.
Wheelchair 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:
- Fall-Winter 2023: Mondays, October 2-December 18, 2023
- Winter-Spring 2024: Mondays, January 8-April 29, 2024
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: Humphrey Calder Community Center - 414 N Thompson St, 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.
Road Racing/Running
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 visual guided run/jog/walk opportunities available.
This program leads into the weekend of the Monument Avenue 10k on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Race Information.
Dates: Saturdays, February 24-April 13, 2024
Time: 8:30-10:30 AM
Location: Bolling Field House / Boyd Field at St. Christopher's School - 711 St Christopher's Rd, Richmond, VA 23226
Who: Open to ALL Sportable members, 14 years and older. Younger participants may join with prior permission from program staff.
Swimming
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, March 7-May 9th, 2024
- No practice Thursday, April 4th and Thursday, April 11th.
Time: 6:00-7:00 PM
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.
Aquatics information will be announced soon!
Not sure if Swimming or Aquatics is right for you? Reach out to tyler@sportable.org.
Aquatics
This aquatics series is geared towards youth athletes, athletes with limited motor function, and athletes who are interested in getting comfortable in the water and learning how to swim.
Dates: Tuesdays, April 23-June 4, 2024
Times: 6:15-8:00 pm - the program is split into 2 time slots (6:15-7:00PM and 7:15-8:00PM), with athletes being assigned to 1 of these slots. There is currently a capacity of 6 athletes per time slot.
Location: Sheltering Arms Bon Air (206 Twinridge Ln, Richmond, VA 23235)
Who: This swimming series is geared towards youth athletes, athletes with limited motor function, and athletes who are interested in getting comfortable in the water and learning how to swim.
Notes:
- Sheltering Arms Bon Air does NOT allow athletes that are incontinent to use their pool facilities.
- The Sheltering Arms pool is a therapeutic pool. The water temperature may measure up to 92 degrees and may not be suitable for lap swimmers.
Adult Advanced Wheelchair Tennis
Tennis is one of the most challenging and rewarding of all wheelchair sports. Participants will learn court mobility, stroke technique, the rules and scoring of the game, all while building strength, cardiovascular ability, and self-esteem in a fun group instruction environment.
This program is designed for athletes with intermediate and advanced skills that plan to play at a competitive level.
Dates: Saturdays, April 27-October 26, 2024
Time: 9:00-10:30 AM
Location: Midlothian High School - 401 Charter Colony Parkway, Midlothian, VA 23114
Who: Open to Sportable members, 18 years and older, who have a physical disability that impacts their lower body and have experience playing wheelchair tennis. Younger players may join with prior permission from program staff.
Youth and Adult Beginner Development Wheelchair Tennis
Tennis is one of the most challenging and rewarding of all wheelchair sports. Participants will learn court mobility, stroke technique, the rules and scoring of the game, all while building strength, cardiovascular ability, and self-esteem in a fun group instruction environment.
With an emphasis on fun and learning, Sportable’s Youth + Beginner Wheelchair Tennis program focuses on individual skill development, learning the rules of the game, and beginning the pathway for athletes to a lifelong sport.
Dates: Saturdays, April 27-June 1, 2024
Time: 9:00-10:30 AM
Location: Midlothian High School - 401 Charter Colony Parkway, Midlothian, VA 23114
Who: Open to Sportable members, 5 years and older, 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.
Kayaking
Spend an afternoon on the water, learn new skills, and experience thrilling challenges through adventure and kayaking!
Sportable is proud to partner with Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation to provide athletes with the opportunity to learn the basics of flatwater kayaking alongside the region’s most experienced staff at scenic locations on the James River. This is a two-part series. Space is limited to only 10 athletes per session. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and Transact Capital.
Dates and Locations:
- Thursday, May 2– Dutch Gap Conservation Area - 251 Henricus Park Rd Chester, VA 23836
- Thursday, May 16– Deep Bottom - 9525 Deep Bottom Rd, Henrico, VA 23231
Time: 5:30-8:00 PM
Who:
- This program is designed for Sportable members and is limited to 10 participants per session.
- Participants must be age 14+ and must be able to display that they can swim and/or float independently in order to participate in this program.
- There is a weight capacity of 250lbs for the boats that are used at this program.
NOTE: Participants MUST meet the following Essential Eligibility Criteria:
1. Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
2. Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
3. Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
4. Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
5. Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
6. Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion
7. Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket
Walking
Sportable's joining NCHPAD's "How I Walk" movement to rebrand the word WALKING to be inclusive of all the ways someone may move throughout their community, whether or two legs or two wheels. Regardless of if you use a wheelchair, powerchair, cane, walker, or no mobility aid at all, we invite you to join our new walking program! Walking is a simple form of physical activity with substantial health benefits!
Dates: Fridays, March 1-March 29, 2024
Time: 10:00-11:30 AM
Location: Three Lakes Park - 400 Sausiluta Dr, Richmond, VA 23227
Who: Open to ALL Sportable members, 5 years or older.
Note:
- All athletes 17 and younger are required to attend with an adult caregiver.
- This program does NOT have volunteer support at this time.
Recreational Cycling
Recreational Cycling is one of the most inclusive sports as there is a bike to match nearly every individual’s ability, needs, and training interests. Athletes in small groups will enjoy beautiful rides on the scenic Capital Trail alongside experienced adaptive cycling coaches and qualified volunteers.
Dates: Wednesdays, April 17-June 5, 2024
Times: 6:00-8:00 PM
Location: Dorey Park - 7400 Dorey Park Drive, Henrico, VA 23231; athletes will cycle along the Virginia Capital Trail
Who: This program is for currently registered Sportable athletes only.
Capacity Note:
- This program has a capacity limit of 15 athletes and is filled on a first come, first serve basis. If you register after the program is filled, you will be placed on the waiting list.
BECAUSE OF CAPACITY LIMITATIONS, IF YOU ARE ELIGIBILE FOR ADVANCED CYCLING, PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER FOR THIS PROGRAM.
Advanced Cycling Eligibility:
- Must own or lease a cycle from Sportable. Cycles available for rent are in very short supply; rental equipment for this program is not guaranteed.
- Geared toward competitive cyclists with advanced skills.
Beginner & Recreational 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.
Dates: Tuesdays, April 23-May 28, 2024
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Bon Air United Methodist Church - 1645 Buford Road, Richmond, VA 23235. The gym is marked and can be found on the right side of the building.
Who: Open to ALL Sportable members, 5 years and older. Athletes can play standing or in a sports wheelchair. This program is not for athletes with visual impairments at this time.
Archery
Experience the excitement and precision of Adaptive Archery! Sportable is proud to partner with Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation to bring you the basics of archery including rules, safety, and step-by-step shooting form for group-style target archery.
Archery is a fully inclusive sport, with adaptations that can accommodate individuals of all ages and abilities and can be done sitting or standing. Space is limited to 12 athletes per time slot.
Dates: Wednesdays, April 17-June 12, 2024
Time: 4:00-5:00 PM or 5:15-6:15 PM
- Time slots are first-come-first-serve basis
Location: Rockwood Nature Center - 3401 Courthouse Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23236
Who: Open to ALL Sportable members, 9 years and older.