SportsAbility Alliance

Tallahassee, FL, April 8, 2026 – People of all abilities will be sit-waterskiing, taking boat rides, rock wall climbing, horseback riding, enjoying lawn games, riding EcoRovers, and much more in Tallahassee, FL, April 17-18!  SportsAbility is a free two-day event that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by promoting active living and providing first-hand access to resources and activities designed to encourage participation regardless of age or ability level.

Participants of all abilities learn about the value of recreation and active leisure for everyone – especially people with disabilities. People discover the latest in equipment, trends, and resources. SportsAbility provides an opportunity for people to network with people with disabilities, resource providers, and community organizations.  There will be something for everyone and thanks to our generous sponsors, these events are provided free of charge.

This 2-day event kicks off on Friday, April 17 from 10 am – 1 pm with a resource expo and indoor accessible recreation at the Tallahassee State College. The Resource Expo includes representatives from local and state organizations which provide information and services for individuals with disabilities. At Friday’s event, SportsAbility Alliance will present their Volunteer of the Year Award and their Active Leisure for Life Award during an awards ceremony.

Saturday, April 18, is SportsAbility’s outdoor adventure day at Maclay Gardens.  There participants will be able to try everything from sit water-skiing to rock wall climbing, boat rides,  lawn games, horseback riding, EcoRovers and much more! The best part of all is that these events are all FREE, but registration is required. Register here: https://www.sportsability.org/sportsability-expo-tallahassee

“This year, we’re excited to welcome adaptive boats back to our fleet—now with our new partner, Accessibility Outdoors Foundation!” said SportsAbility Alliance Founder, David Jones. “It’s been a few years since we’ve had this type of specialized vessel on the water, and we’re thrilled to bring it back. Designed for easy access and built to accommodate everyone – including those using power wheelchairs – this boat opens up the water experience for all.”

Volunteer of the Year and Active Leisure for Life Awards: At Friday’s event at TCC, SportsAbility Alliance will be honoring their 2026 Volunteer of the Year and Active Leisure for Life Award winners.

The Volunteer of the Year award is given to a person or persons who has been invaluable as a volunteer to SportsAbility Alliance, giving of their time and talents. This year’s recipients are the Kiwanis Clubs of the Big Bend.  Kiwanis has been a long-time support of SportsAbility Alliance, raising money to help build Miracle Field.  Part of the City of Tallahassee’s  James Messer Sports Complex, Miracle Field is a barrier-free, baseball field designed to remove barriers for children and adults with disabilities. “Area Kiwanis clubs provide snacks and encouragement each week to the Miracle Sports athletes who come out on Thursday evenings to play baseball, kickball and tennis,” said Executive Director Fran Gilbert. “They also  assist and support the SportsAbility Expo by cooking hotdogs for attendees each year. We are excited to have them as our 2026 Volunteer of the Year!”

The Active Leisure for Life award is given to an individual or organization that embodies the SportsAbility Alliance mission: “to enrich lives through accessible, inclusive recreation and active leisure.”  “This year we are pleased to honor Ann’s Angels as our Active Leisure for Life Award recipient,” said Jones. “Ann Angels participated in our very first SportsAbility event 36 years ago and have continued to be a strong partner with us as we have grown. We deeply appreciate their continued support.”

SportsAbility is the premier program of SportsAbility Alliance (formerly known as Florida Disabled Outdoors Association.) This program is funded through partnerships and relies on the support of sponsors including: The City of Tallahassee, Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee State College, Florida Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Leon County Tourist Development Council and many more. SportsAbility Alliance thanks its sponsors for their involvement and generosity.

To register or get more information on SportsAbility 2026, visit www.sportsability.org or contact (850) 201-2944, info@sportsability.org.

Date Posted: April 14, 2026