On the court, on the field and in the gym, one of Boulder’s most welcoming micro-communities gathers every Tuesday evening. They exemplify inclusivity and how to have fun – even when you’re an adult. This is the adult EXPAND program for people with disabilities.
On a recent Tuesday, about 35 participants, volunteers and program staff converged to play pickleball and soccer. The athletes, many of whom have developmental and intellectual disabilities, adjust their work schedules and other commitments to show up to play a variety of sports with EXPAND each week: basketball, soccer, pickleball and more.
The group included athletes who have been coming to the program for more than 20 years, as well as newcomers and one volunteer who said it was his first day.
The sports program is about more than just learning, practicing and competing. Athletes, make lifelong friends, including those with and without disabilities, and connect outside of the rec center.
A mother of an athlete, who occasionally spectates on the sidelines, said her family had moved from California a year ago and her son, Killian, had “found his crew” within the EXPAND community.
Those with disabilities are not the only ones included and welcomed into the EXPAND community. Dedicated volunteers come to the program every week, practicing alongside the participants.
One volunteer, Jesse, has volunteered for EXPAND for the past seven years. He sought out EXPAND after his uncle died. Jesse’s uncle had worked in a group home for the disabled, and Jesse was looking for a way to honor his uncle’s memory and to give back.
Jesse said he had no idea that he would keep coming back week after week, especially after he moved an hour away to Loveland, but he makes it work because of the people.
EXPAND’s staff doesn’t just facilitate the community-building, they’re an integral part of the community. For example, former staff members Sherri and Cory retired years ago and continually show up to volunteer to either participate in or run programs.
Whether you join the EXPAND community or another group, you're sure to find community within Boulder Parks and Rec. Join us!
Learn more about the EXPAND program and how you can get involved:
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- Send an email to parks-rec@bouldercolorado.gov.