Inclusivity Inspires the Warriors’ Way

How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!

– Ephesians 3:18b TPT

Inclusivity is one of the enduring and exceptional hallmarks of God’s love and heart for people. This is what Exceptional Sports (E-Sports) is all about at its core—bringing together individuals who are neurotypical and those who have special needs, and changing the world through inclusion. BACC’s incredible volunteer base helped launch this community program in 2000, and BACC is currently an official sponsor of E-Sports programs in the Bay Area. BACC and E-Sports have worked together for many years as close partners in serving and championing inclusion for families of children with both typical and special needs.

This week, over 200 parents, kids, and coaches from our Bay Area E-Hoops and E-Dance programs were invited by the Golden State Warriors to attend their game against the Boston Celtics. Inspired by E-Sports’ work promoting inclusivity throughout the Bay Area, the Warriors gave the E-Sports participants some fun and special presentations.

This has become an exciting annual opportunity for E-Hoops, as the Warriors have invited participants to be involved in their halftime and “primetime” exhibitions since 2017.

E-Dance and E-Hoops in primetime

To get things started, E-Dance was invited to host a dance session at the outdoor performance area prior to the game, welcoming the public into the Chase Center. E-Dance members from the Alameda-Oakland program came out in force to lead an energized and inspiring team of dancers. Inside the Chase Center, our E-Hoops families and kids got the incredible opportunity to watch the Warriors and Celtics players warm up during their pregame shoot-around. Renowned Warriors record spinner DJ Sharp was on site to share special moments with the kids—connecting with them, taking pictures, and welcoming them to sit courtside beside him.

Finally, E-Hoops players were featured in the special five-minute “Primetime” game, offering those in attendance an opportunity to watch and cheer on the kids playing basketball inclusively together. The enthusiastic crowd was delighted to show their support for the blue and gold teams hooping wholeheartedly. After the Warriors game, all the kids and families were invited back onto the court to shoot a free throw to finish the night off.

A dream come true for E-Sports families

The evening’s festivities were a meaningful show of support to the community E-Sports serves. One mother whose son has special needs was deeply moved after watching him play in the Primetime game, saying “This was a dream come true for my son!” She spoke at length about how much she appreciated one of the E-Hoops coaches in particular, who came to aid her son when he was having a moment of difficulty.

The Warriors staff commented repeatedly how much they had missed having the E-Hoops and E-Dance groups there, and they are looking forward to more ways they want the groups to be involved next season with the Warriors.

A big “Thank you” to everyone!

We are so proud of all the kids, mentors, and volunteer coaches who participated and represented E-Hoops and E-Dance at this year’s Warriors Night. Being a part of this annual event and partnering with programs that serve the community are exemplary of what the BACC is all about. We are passionate about building a non-traditional church centered on changing the lives of anyone, anywhere. We are also very thankful to the Golden State Warriors for their continued support and recognition of the E-Sports programs in the Bay Area and can’t wait for next year’s event in San Francisco.

Go E-Hoops…Go E-Dance…Go E-Sports…Go, Warriors!

Until next time.