Long Beach State Student-Athletes Initiate Inclusive Sports Day
11/5/2025 12:53:00 PM | General
Long Beach State partnered with the Long Beach Unified School District for a fun day of activity as part of the NCAA’s annual Civic Engagement Day.
LONG BEACH, Calif. – The City of Long Beach came together for Civic Engagement Day on November 4, as Long Beach State student-athletes connected with participants from the Adapted Physical Education Program of the Long Beach Unified School District for a morning of inclusive play and community impact.
Civic Engagement Day is an NCAA Division I initiative that provides student-athletes nationwide with a designated day away from sport participation to serve their communities through volunteer projects and outreach events. The initiative encourages institutions to foster meaningful partnerships with local organizations, strengthening the connection between athletics and community service.
Tuesday's event was made possible through a new collaboration with the Inclusive Sports Foundation, an organization that partners with university athletic departments to promote inclusion and accessible recreation for individuals with disabilities. Through this partnership, Beach student-athletes engaged in physical activities that were uniquely tailored to the needs of students in the Adapted Physical Education Program.
"This partnership with the Inclusive Sports Foundation and the Adapted PE program is a special opportunity for our student-athletes to experience the joy and purpose that comes with inclusive community engagement," said Cameron Cecil, Student-Athlete Development Coordinator at Long Beach State. "The Inclusive Sports Foundation does amazing work across the country, and we're thrilled to now be part of that mission here in Long Beach. Our student-athletes will not only represent the Beach with pride but also see how leadership and connection can make a lasting difference beyond competition."
The Inclusive Sports Day was held on the campus baseball diamond, with student-athletes from various varsity programs hosting a sport-specific station designed to engage students of all abilities in fun, modified activities. Staff and volunteers from across campus assisted in facilitating the event to ensure an inclusive, supportive, and energetic environment for all participants.
In addition, Long Beach State's own Adapted Physical Education Program, led by Dr. Melissa Bittner, played an active role in the event. Dr. Bittner and her students volunteered alongside Long Beach State student-athletes to help facilitate activities, creating a welcoming, inclusive experience for all participants.
At Long Beach State, the event aligns directly with the department's BeAChampion program, which focuses on the holistic development of student-athletes through personal growth, leadership, career preparation, and community engagement opportunities. The Inclusive Sports Day embodies the BeAChampion pillar of community connection, empowering student-athletes to use their platform to give back.
Civic Engagement Day is an NCAA Division I initiative that provides student-athletes nationwide with a designated day away from sport participation to serve their communities through volunteer projects and outreach events. The initiative encourages institutions to foster meaningful partnerships with local organizations, strengthening the connection between athletics and community service.
Tuesday's event was made possible through a new collaboration with the Inclusive Sports Foundation, an organization that partners with university athletic departments to promote inclusion and accessible recreation for individuals with disabilities. Through this partnership, Beach student-athletes engaged in physical activities that were uniquely tailored to the needs of students in the Adapted Physical Education Program.
"This partnership with the Inclusive Sports Foundation and the Adapted PE program is a special opportunity for our student-athletes to experience the joy and purpose that comes with inclusive community engagement," said Cameron Cecil, Student-Athlete Development Coordinator at Long Beach State. "The Inclusive Sports Foundation does amazing work across the country, and we're thrilled to now be part of that mission here in Long Beach. Our student-athletes will not only represent the Beach with pride but also see how leadership and connection can make a lasting difference beyond competition."
The Inclusive Sports Day was held on the campus baseball diamond, with student-athletes from various varsity programs hosting a sport-specific station designed to engage students of all abilities in fun, modified activities. Staff and volunteers from across campus assisted in facilitating the event to ensure an inclusive, supportive, and energetic environment for all participants.
In addition, Long Beach State's own Adapted Physical Education Program, led by Dr. Melissa Bittner, played an active role in the event. Dr. Bittner and her students volunteered alongside Long Beach State student-athletes to help facilitate activities, creating a welcoming, inclusive experience for all participants.
At Long Beach State, the event aligns directly with the department's BeAChampion program, which focuses on the holistic development of student-athletes through personal growth, leadership, career preparation, and community engagement opportunities. The Inclusive Sports Day embodies the BeAChampion pillar of community connection, empowering student-athletes to use their platform to give back.
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