Participants of all ages learn adaptive basketball skills, guided by UCSF Orthotics and Prosthetics staff, Golden State Sports Academy, AMP1 Basketball, and volunteers. (Photograph by Gavin Rochford)
The UCSF Orthotic and Prosthetic Centers Adaptive Community Training (A.C.T.) Program hosted its annual adaptive basketball and mobility clinic at the Bakar Fitness Center at UCSF Mission Bay. The event featured an interactive panel with Chris Mullin—a five-time NBA All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Golden State Warriors legend.
Led by Golden State Sports Academy and AMP1 Basketball, the clinic teaches fundamental basketball skills in a supportive, team-oriented environment. The program focuses on skill development and mobility for individuals affected by physical impairments while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
“Participants of all ages, activity levels, and experience are encouraged to attend,” said Nicole Henry-Wild, CPO, A.C.T. Program Director at the UCSF Orthotic and Prosthetic Center at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. “Our goal is to create opportunity by building a safe, supportive environment where people can explore sports and overcome the physical, social, and mental barriers to participation.”
Originally created as a program for individuals with limb loss, A.C.T. quickly revealed a much broader need. Today, it welcomes people with a wide range of physical impairments who want to stay active and connected. Events like this reinforce the idea that sports and recreation should be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. Adaptive sports play a critical role in helping individuals move beyond recovery and rediscover what their bodies can do.
At its core, the program brings together clinical experts, coaches, and community to make physical activity more accessible. The message is simple: physical impairment shouldn’t mean sitting on the sidelines.
Interactive Q&A panel led by Ben Clarfield, Director, Golden State Warriors Academy; Golden State Warriors legend Chris Mullin; Nick Pryor, Director, AMP1; Nicole Henry-Wild, CPO, ACT Program Director (Photograph by Gavin Rochford)
Henry-Wild emphasized the lasting impact of the program “after each event, I hear from participants about how meaningful the experience was—not just because of the physical activity, but because of the community and connections they built. Often, those who come just to observe find themselves smiling on the court by the end. They meet others with similar experiences, while families and caregivers connect in the stands. That connection and sense of community can be just as transformative as the physical activity.” Adaptive sports not only improve physical fitness, but also support mental health, confidence, and overall well-being.
(Photograph by Gavin Rochford)
60 attendees registered and came to Bakar Fitness Center at UCSF Mission Bay from all over Northern California including the greater Bay Area, Camp Winning Hands, Challenged Athletes Foundation, UCSF Pediatric Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Center, Palo Alto VA, San Francisco VA and the UCSF Medical Center.
About:
The UCSF Orthotic and Prosthetic Centers Adaptive Community Training Program began as a resource for individuals with limb loss, supporting their return to activity after amputation. Over time, it expanded to serve a broader population and now welcomes individuals with a variety of physical impairments, including neuromuscular, skeletal, vision, and hearing conditions.
AMP1 Basketball Team is comprised of amputee athletes who connected while seeking opportunities to play competitive stand-up basketball. AMP1 demonstrates that all you need is courage, motivation, and heart to follow your dreams.
Troy Druppal, Golden State Sports Academy coach and AMP1 Basketball player who has consistently attended the event and is an upper extremity amputee himself, created this popular workout video during COVID at the Golden State Sports Academy facility in Oakland, CA. It is used as a popular guide year-round and for those attendees who cannot attend our event in person.
Golden State Sports Academy is bigger and better than ever! The Warriors & Valkyries have come together to offer camps throughout the Bay Area, including at the new Valkyries Sephora Performance Center in downtown Oakland. Camps and programs focus on skill development and fun competition that elevate a tradition running over 25 years strong.
