This September, Bakersfield will witness a first-of-its-kind community event dedicated to empowering individuals with physical disabilities through movement, mentorship, and access: the Adaptive Sports & Prosthetics Fair, hosted at the Dignity Health Sports Complex. 

 

Spearheaded by your neighbor, Radha Amrutia, owner of Bakersfield Prosthetics & Orthotics Center (BPOC), along with a passionate cohort from the Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2025, this event aims to bring visibility, support, and life-changing resources to the disabled and prosthetic-using community of Kern County. As Radha puts it, "the mission is to "keep Kern County moving!" 

 

Attendees will have the opportunity to experience adaptive sports first-hand, including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and parafencing, with trained professionals, coaches and physical therapists on hand for support. One of the event’s signature features is a prosthetics test clinic, where amputees can trial active running blades—many for the very first time. And the best part—participation is completely FREE! Those interested in participating can register for free on the event's website, www.adaptivesportsfair.com. 

 

In addition to activity zones, the event will also host a disability resource fair with vendors and nonprofits offering tools, education, and services for amputees and individuals with mobility impairments. A special raffle giveaway will award attendees with mobility vouchers that can be applied towards adaptive sport wheelchairs, mobility-related home improvements and/or other highly impactful items aimed at improving quality of life. 

 

“This isn’t just an event,” says Leadership Bakersfield team member Winston Crite Jr. “It’s a launchpad for long-term impact, and we hope to make it an annual celebration of movement, visibility, and empowerment.” 

 

Happening September 13, 2025, the event will be free and open to the public, including able-bodied allies who wish to participate, learn, or support. The team is currently seeking sponsors, volunteers, and transportation partners to ensure the event is as inclusive and accessible as possible.