Michael Garafola and Alvin Malave started off as participants in the UCLA Adaptive Recreation program. They both enjoyed it so much that they started volunteering their time to help keep the program running. Now they are the coordinators of the program, which offers therapeutic recreation activities for both disabled and able-bodied people.
One of the adaptive programs offered by UCLA Recreation is wheelchair basketball. Participants learn drills, improve strength and stamina, and meet new friends as they wheel themselves up and down the court. Open to all community members, able-bodied basketball players like Norman Powell can be seen playing wheelchair basketball with disabled participants. “Basketball is a great sport no matter how you play it,” Powell says.
Another program offered by UCLA Recreation is Adaptive Cycling. The Adaptive Cycling program provides hand-crank and recumbent bicycles to participants, which allow those with disabilities or injuries to cycling. Some mornings at Marina del Rey, they can be seen biking along the shoreline.