CAF brought athletes together for a dynamic day of movement, learning, and community through a combined sitting volleyball and adaptive pickleball clinic. Designed for athletes with physical disabilities of all ages and experience levels, the clinic created a welcoming environment where participants could try something new, build skills, and connect through sport.

The day kicked off indoors with sitting volleyball before moving outside for multiple adaptive pickleball sessions in the afternoon. Across both sports, athletes were encouraged to explore new movement patterns, support one another, and most importantly, have fun.

Trying Something New With Sitting Volleyball

The morning session introduced athletes to sitting volleyball, an inclusive version of the sport played from a seated position on the floor. For everyone in attendance, this was their first experience with sitting volleyball.

Athletes were guided through standard volleyball drills adapted for the seated format, focusing on teamwork, communication, and court awareness. The session emphasized learning the fundamentals while creating a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. Laughter, high energy, and curiosity filled the gym as participants discovered a new way to engage with the sport.

Adaptive Pickleball for All Experience Levels

In the afternoon, athletes took to the courts for adaptive pickleball, with multiple sessions offered to accommodate a wide range of skill levels.

Some participants arrived with extensive pickleball experience and enjoyed more competitive match play, while others were brand new to the sport and focused on learning basic rules, terminology, and techniques. The clinic welcomed athletes of all ages, including the youngest participant at just four and a half years old.

Adaptive pickleball modifies the traditional game to meet the needs of athletes with physical disabilities while maintaining the fun, social nature, and competitiveness that make the sport so popular. The result was an inclusive environment where everyone could participate at a level that felt right for them.

CAF extends special thanks to Karla Boisvert, local pickleball coach, and Bill Powning from the Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) for their leadership and support throughout the clinic.

Building Community Through Inclusive Sport

Throughout the day, athletes had access to all necessary equipment, allowing them to focus on movement, learning, and connection. Clinics like this reflect CAF’s commitment to increasing access to sport and creating spaces where athletes with physical disabilities can explore new activities in a supportive community.