ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The third annual RAD Games at the Wackford Community and Aquatic Complex in Elk Grove brought together hundreds of participants and families Saturday, May 10 for a free, inclusive event designed for individuals with disabilities.

Organized by the Cosumnes Community Services District’s therapeutic recreation staff, the RAD Games featured over a dozen activity stations including sports, arts and crafts, vendor booths, inflatables and even a silent disco. 

The event was created to provide an accessible, welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and abilities.

More than 150 people registered in advance, but organizers expected up to 500 attendees throughout the day. Participants received a color-coded map designed like a Monopoly board to guide them through stations tailored to various physical and cognitive abilities. Each area included adaptations to ensure accessibility.

“We kind of came up with the idea for the first year to make it like a Monopoly board and put our own twist on it,” said Ciera Dulgar, the therapeutic recreation supervisor who launched the event in 2022. “They get a map and have a variety of stations, from physical fitness and arts and crafts to different vendors and sponsors. They can try things they haven’t before.”

Dulgar said she had long envisioned a free event for people with disabilities and recognized the Wackford Center as the perfect venue. 

This year’s additions included a silent disco, expanded obstacle course and inflatables, based on feedback collected through post-event surveys.

“We gather surveys, and we just listen to what the community wants,” said recreation coordinator Lexi Cobb. “We try our best to implement them every year.”

Participants were grouped into scheduled sessions, with youth in the morning, followed by teens and then adults. After completing activities, they received medals and had the opportunity to swim during open pool hours. 

“The facility’s closed down just for our event today,” Dulgar said. “They get their map when they show up, and their goal is to try and finish as many stations as they can.”

More than 30 volunteers and 15 to 20 staff helped to manage the day. 

According to Dulgar, recruiting volunteers is rarely a challenge due to the strong support from the local community. 

“We don’t really have to try that hard to get volunteers,” she said. “We do get a pretty good turnout from high school age, all ages, actually, that come and help support this event.”

The event also offered a quiet room for those needing sensory breaks and included adaptations for both cognitive and physical disabilities. 

“Each activity area, we do an orientation with our volunteers, and our staff have all gone through adaptive training,” Dulgar said. “We have different adaptations at every station.”

Popular stations included arts and crafts, basketball and an interactive fire station setup. 

“They love the fire station because they get to use the fire hose on the truck,” Dulgar said.

Cobb, who took the lead on the event for the first time this year, said the continued growth has been rewarding. 

“It’s been awesome to see it grow,” she said. “I think every year, getting the feedback and trying to implement those changes, the community sees them.”

As the RAD Games continue to expand, organizers hope to keep improving and providing new experiences for participants. 

“I think it gets easier each year just because we have our favorite activities that they’re looking forward to, and they bring great energy,” Cobb said. “It’s just a great time because of them.”