For Leslie Francavilla, the Special Olympics are about more than just sports — it’s a community that she said has given her 35-year-old son, Mathew, the confidence to lead an independent life that she previously wasn’t sure was even possible. For the last 14 years, Mathew has competed in all 11 of the sports offered … Read more
RICHMOND — After months of speculation, a pickleball facility is opening in the historic Craneway Pavilion, sparking both excitement by those eager to use the new courts and concerns from residents worried beloved city events will no longer have a home. Hours of activities will fill out the “grand opening” schedule this Saturday, with doors … Read more
WALNUT CREEK — Competitive and recreational swimmers typically don’t require as much equipment as other sports. But finding enough space and time for people to actually get in the water at a municipal pool is often a challenge. Case in point: Elected officials in Walnut Creek have spent 15 years contemplating the best way to … Read more
Rick Barry and Dave Stewart, who each helped bring world championships to Oakland, will be among the honorees at the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame’s 24th annual Bay Area induction and award ceremony in downtown Oakland on Saturday night. The basketball Hall of Famer Barry and the 1989 World Series MVP Stewart, along with former … Read more
SANTA CLARA — With the future of the storied George F. Haines International Swim Center hanging in the balance, the city is looking to temporarily reopen two of the three pools as it explores long-term solutions to rebuilding the nearly 60-year-old facility. On Jan. 11, the city shuttered the swim center, citing safety and structural … Read more
If you’re one of the more than 36.5 million pickleball fans who hit the courts last year — or want to be — here’s some delightful news. You can play on vacation too. And the pickleball perks at California’s resorts are frankly off the charts, complete with courtside bars, ocean views and even rooftop play. … Read more
By ADAM BEAM | Associated Press SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers will debate on Wednesday whether to ban tackle football for children under 12, a move pushed by advocates seeking to protect kids from brain damage but opposed by coaches who warn it would cut off youths from an important source of physical activity. The bill, … Read more
MORGAN HILLThe fastest-growing sport in the country has found a permanent home in Morgan Hill, as the city broke ground Friday on a space that will become four public pickleball courts. To celebrate the occasion, city officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the new location in Morgan Hill Community Park. Representatives from the city, the … Read more
Marine Corps veteran Kyle Hansel of Pacifica is making a belt for his mother, using lessons, skills, and a renewed faith in himself gained from competitive sports despite hands and many muscles that don’t work. His mom Teresa loves turquoise, so he’ll paint the bottom layer of the belt that blue-green hue, to gleam through decorative … Read more
At just past 4 on an October afternoon, a dozen girls began to run. They were told to circle a piece of Danville’s Sycamore Valley Park. But unlike track practice, where the task might be paired with fierce faces and intense competition, the girls — who all ranged between 10 and 11 years old — … Read more