TRUCKEE, Calif. – The Tahoe Ability Program hosted its annual sports competition on August 12 at Truckee Regional Park, going head-to-head in a spirited kickball tournament against members of the California Highway Patrol and Truckee Police Department.

The event brought the community together for a day filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a celebration of inclusion. For the past months, participants in the Tahoe Ability Program trained for the big day, practicing drills, building teamwork skills, and preparing to put their abilities into action.

“You could see everyone giving it their all and enjoying every moment of it,” said Mariah O’Shaughnessy, Tahoe Ability Program manger. “Both CHP and TPD members were smiling ear to ear, and could be seen giving high fives and cheering others on throughout the game.”

The Tahoe Ability Program is dedicated to fostering community inclusion, independence, and personal growth for individuals with developmental disabilities. The organization supports participants across seven key areas: community integration and volunteer work, self-advocacy, social skills, health and wellness, literacy and higher education, independent living, and recreational activities.

For participant Erin Freeman, self-advocacy is both the most important and the most difficult skill she’s working to improve.

“I’m still learning,” Freeman said. “It’s not that easy for me.”

One of her goals is to grow more confident in standing up for herself.

“I have a lot of moments I wish I could have done differently,” Freeman said.

When she recalled a time she had been teased, her smile faded. Another participant then offered encouragement: “You are funny, you are smart, you are good, and you are very pretty,” he told her, bringing her smile back to the conversation.

From daily activities like cooking workshops and arts and crafts to field trips and fitness sessions, the program provides hands-on opportunities for participants to grow and strengthen their personal goals, one step, one smile, and one kickball game at a time.

“With this being our second annual game against them, we are eager to see what next year holds,” O’Shaughnessy said.