Our first-ever KBF Wheelchair Sports Camp, hosted at Ability360 in Phoenix, Arizona, brought together eight athletes (plus Kelly and Greg!) for a transformative weekend on one of the country’s premier adaptive sports campuses. Designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, Ability360 offered the perfect backdrop for three days of learning, exploration, and community building. 

Athletes traveled from as close as Mesa, Arizona, and as far as Maine, each arriving as a beginner in adaptive sports. The camp became a powerful starting point, offering a welcoming introduction to new skills, new goals, and new possibilities. We were also excited to have KBF Ambassador Caiden join the group to share his tennis skills and connect with the new athletes. 

The weekend opened with pickleball and tennis, where athletes learned foundational techniques and quickly began putting them into action. Day Two focused on softball and basketball, giving participants a chance to experience fast-paced, team-oriented sports. On the final day, campers had the freedom to revisit any of the sports they had tried earlier in the weekend, as well as explore new opportunities, including swimming and rock climbing. Several athletes brought family members along so they could see firsthand the potential, joy, and independence that an active lifestyle can provide. 

Throughout the three days, the sense of community grew stronger. As one camper shared, “Not only did I get to play sports, I found a group of people who were rooting for me and I believe will continue to as my adaptive sports journey begins.” Another added, “The impact this camp has had on my life cannot be measured or described in words.” 

Connections formed not only during drills and games but also during water breaks, meals, and shared downtime. One athlete captured this feeling perfectly: “I learned as much valuable stuff during water breaks and dinner as I did on the court. This camp didn’t just teach me how to play new sports; it gave me an instant, incredible network of friends and mentors who showed me that my competitive life is far from over.” 

For many participants, the weekend accelerated a journey they thought would take much longer to begin. As one camper reflected, “Without this camp, I would have waited a lot longer to try adaptive sports and I wouldn’t have met such amazing people.” 

By the time camp wrapped up, athletes had not only tried multiple adaptive sports for the first time, but they had also built a supportive community, found new confidence, and discovered the excitement of actively exploring their potential. It was a reminder of why these programs matter so much: sometimes a single weekend is enough to open the door to a whole new world.