Inside the Hive: Bee Abled Buzz Newsletter

(September 2026)

Celebrating Community • Adaptive Sports • Inclusion for All

As we step into the fall season, Bee Abled continues to grow, connect, and empower athletes across our community. This quarter brings new events, meaningful milestones, and opportunities for athletes, volunteers, guides, and families to come together in movement and support. From adaptive sports and race weekends to community celebrations and volunteer highlights, this edition of Inside the Hive captures the energy, dedication, and inclusion that define Bee Abled. Thank you for being part of our mission — let’s keep building a community where every athlete belongs and every achievement is celebrated.

Program Highlights

This summer, Bee Abled athletes and families experienced an unforgettable season filled with movement, connection, and community — all FREE to our members thanks to the generosity of our incredible sponsors and volunteers. Your support made every practice, every outing, and every smile possible.

What YOU Made Possible This Summer

🏀Wheelchair Basketball Practices

🥎Wheelchair Softball Practices

⚾️Batting Cages Practices

🍋Lemonade Dash (Bonus Race) — Houston Running Company

🏓Pickleball — Drop Shots Pickleball Bar & Kitchen

🏟️Houston Astros Stadium Tour

⚾️Wheelchair Grand Slam Softball Tournaments — San Antonio, TX

⛴️Sailing Angels Boat Tour

🍭Popsicle Dash (Bonus Race) — Houston Running Company

⚾️Crossroads Wheelchair Softball Tournament — Victoria, TX

🦕Houston Museum of Natural Science & Planetarium

🎉Lucy y Los Compadres #2 Grand Opening

♿Abilities Expo Houston

🎶Bee Abled x Houston Area Road Runners: Party in the Park

🍉Watermelon Dash (Bonus Race) — Houston Running Company

🌍2026 USA Wheelchair Softball World Series — Omaha, Nebraska

🍴Texas Roadhouse “Dine to Donate” Fundraiser

🎳Summer Final Strike Bowling — Lucky Strike Entertainment

🧢Astros vs. Athletics Game — The Astros Foundation

Check out our 2026 Summer Program video here!

Veterans Leading the Way

Congratulations to Victor Ventura, our Adaptive Sports Program Director, for leading with purpose and passion throughout the 2026 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Detroit, Michigan from July 9 to 14, 2026.  

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games are the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world, bringing together U.S. military veterans with disabilities to compete in more than 20 adaptive sports. The Games promote rehabilitation, independence, camaraderie, and the power of sport — and our Bee Abled veterans represented with incredible strength and heart.

A huge congratulations to our Bee Abled veterans: Johnny, Jason, Anthony, and all the veterans for an extraordinary week of achievement, connection, and resilience. Your dedication inspires our entire community, and we are proud of every one of you.

2026 Wheelchair Softball Season Highlights

Tournament 1: Grand Slam Wheelchair Softball Tournament in San Antonio, Texas — June 27

Bee Abled’s Colt .45’s kicked off our first official wheelchair softball tournament of the season with unity, grit, and so much heart. Our athletes battled through every inning and proudly brought home 2nd place at the Grand Slam Wheelchair Softball Tournament.

A heartfelt thank‑you to Raising Cane’s on Spencer Hwy in Pasadena, TX for sponsoring dinner with Box Combo gift cards for every athlete and volunteer. Your support kept our team fueled and ready to compete.

A huge thank‑you to the tournament organizers for uplifting adaptive athletes and creating a space where our team could shine.

Tournament 2: Crossroads Wheelchair Softball Classic Victoria, Texas — July 17–19

Our Bee Abled Colt .45’s Wheelchair Softball Team finished 2nd place at the 2026 Crossroads Wheelchair Softball Classic Tournament, — another strong showing and a proud moment for our athletes.

Thank you to Danny Camacho for the invitation and for hosting such a well‑organized and uplifting tournament for adaptive athletes across Texas. The competition was incredible, and the sportsmanship on and off the field made this weekend truly special.

A massive shout‑out and congratulations to Zack Ruhl, our tournament MVP. His hustle and heart were on full display and this recognition is truly well deserved.

We also extend a special thank‑you to Texas Roadhouse for providing peanuts and coupons for our athletes and volunteers. Your support added an extra layer of joy to our weekend and helped fuel our team throughout the tournament. Additionally, thank you for partnering with us on the Dine to Donate Fundraiser on Thursday, August 20. Your commitment to uplifting adaptive athletes makes a meaningful impact on our programs and community.

We are so grateful to Texas Roadhouse for supporting our Colt .45’s! (click here for video)

Tournament 3: USA Wheelchair Softball World Series in Valley (Omaha), Nebraska on August 13-15

The Bee Abled Colt .45’s closed out an incredible 2026 season, battling their way to 4th place in Division 2 at the 2026 USA Wheelchair Softball World Series — a major achievement after leveling up from Division 3 last year. This team continues to rise, compete, and represent our community with heart.

This season was made possible by the unwavering support of our sponsors, volunteers, and families who show up for our athletes every step of the way.

You can watch our Colt .45’s recent games from the National Wheelchair Softball Association 2026 USA Wheelchair Softball World Series right on our YouTube channel! Hit the link and show our athletes some love:

https://youtube.com/@beeabledhtx?si=ksZGa0Tk7CWDbYyN

Our Powerhouse Sponsors

We extend our deepest gratitude to the partners who fueled our softball season: Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Texas First Bank, United Access, H‑E‑B #HEBHelpingHere, Walmart, EDT Construction, Timeless Runners, Alexander Jewish Family Service, Walk and Roll for SCI, Jackie Cotton, Caryn Honig, Hampton & King, and Patty Cardwell McGrail with Cabinet IQ.

Your commitment ensures our athletes have the resources, equipment, and opportunities they deserve.

Our Dedicated Volunteers

A heartfelt thank‑you to Anaeli Carrillo Aviles, Brenda Cartwright, Chris Cantu, Nicolle McGee, and Sivonney Hernandez. Your time, energy, and behind‑the‑scenes work carried us through every practice, game, and travel day. You make Bee Abled stronger.

Our Coach

To Coach Victor Ventura — thank you for leading the Colts for the second year with vision, patience, and unwavering belief in our athletes. Your leadership continues to elevate this team, and the impact shows on and off the field.

Together, we’ve built something bigger than the game — a community rooted in support, inclusion, and the drive to keep moving forward.

Colt .45’s Bring Home Division 2 Awards🏆

The Colt .45’s are making history — and this year’s World Series proved it.

Three of our athletes stood out at the National Wheelchair Softball Association (NWSA) 2026 USA Wheelchair Softball World Series (Division 2), earning well‑deserved recognition for their performance and leadership on the field:

We are incredibly proud of these athletes and the entire Colt .45’s team. Every award reflects the heart, hustle, and unity that define this program. Their dedication continues to elevate Bee Abled and inspire our community.

This is more than a win — it’s a milestone. And we’re just getting started.

Together, we’ve built something bigger than the game — a community rooted in support, inclusion, and the drive to keep moving forward. Together, we roll.

Thank You to Our Sponsors❤️

Every event this Summer, every wheelchair softball tournament, every memory, and every moment of joy was made possible because our sponsors believe in inclusion, resilience, and community.

Because of YOU, our athletes had a summer filled with movement, confidence, and community.

Together, we prove that movement has no limits.

Next Up: Wheelchair Basketball Season!

Get ready — the energy continues as we head into basketball. Bayou City is preparing for a fall full of development, teamwork, and unforgettable moments as we continue building a strong adaptive sports community.

Bee Abled is entering its second year of the Bayou City Wheelchair Basketball Program, expanding opportunities for competition, connection, and community building. Wheelchair basketball continues to be one of our fastest‑growing programs, and tournament participation is essential for athlete development and national‑level play.

Tournament participation is a critical part of this growth. Each tournament costs approximately $10,000, covering travel, lodging, athlete transportation, equipment transport, apparel, meals, hydration, adaptive equipment supplies & repairs, and tournament fees. For the 2026–2027 season, Bayou City D1 team plans to attend four to five tournaments, and sponsorship support is essential to ensuring our athletes can compete safely, confidently, and at the highest level.

If you’re interested in sponsoring our Bayou City Wheelchair Basketball Program, we invite you to please take a moment to review our active Sponsorship Tier Fundraiser at the end of this newsletter.

2026 Fall Bee Abled Scheduled Races

We’re gearing up for an exciting Fall season. Our 2026 Fall Race Schedule is officially live, and we’re thrilled to share the events where our athletes, guides, and community will be rolling together. Mark your calendars and join us as we continue empowering athletes of all abilities across Houston and beyond.

🍂 Fall Race Lineup

• Saturday, October 3, 2026 - RSVP HERE

  Ainsley’s Angels 9th Annual Twilight 5K

• Sunday, October 25, 2026 - RSVP HERE

  Houston Half Marathon & 10K

• Saturday, November 21, 2026 - RSVP HERE

  Great Houston Pie Run – Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, & 1K

• Saturday, December 19, 2026 - RSVP HERE

  Houston 12K of Christmas – 12K, 6K, & 1K

We look forward to racing, rolling, and celebrating community with you throughout the season. Let’s make this Fall unforgettable.

Spotlight🌟

Quarter 3 Recap: A Season of Growth & Connection🌼

Ways to Get Involved🐝

Be Part of the Movement!

Our next Sponsorship Tiers Fundraiser is now LIVE, giving you the chance to directly support Bee Abled athletes at the 2027 Chevron Houston Marathon (January 16–17, 2027) and our 2026–2027 Bayou City Wheelchair Basketball Season.

Our sponsorship tiers include a special recognition opportunity — your logo or name featured on our new Bee Abled shirts, worn proudly during the 2027 Chevron Houston Marathon and at future practices, tournaments, and community events.

Every dollar moves our athletes forward, creating access, visibility, and momentum for adaptive sports across Houston and beyond.

Bee Abled proudly represents the growing Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) Program, with athletes and guides racing with handcycles, wheelchairs, sport chairs, and other adaptive equipment. We’re also entering our second year of the Bayou City Wheelchair Basketball Program, supporting both a Division 1 team and a Beginners team.

Below are the Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsorship tiers offered, each with meaningful recognition and benefits. Sponsor logos or names should be submitted by Saturday, December 5, 2026 to meet production deadlines.

Estimated 2027 Marathon Weekend Budget Needs:

• We Are Houston 5K, Aramco Houston Half Marathon & Chevron Houston Marathon race fees & apparel — $5,000

• Chevron Marathon Luncheon & breakfast tacos, granola bars, drinks, ice, etc. — $2,500

• Swag bag items for participants — $1,500

• Adaptive equipment supplies & repairs — $500

2026 – 2027 Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Budget Needs:

• Average cost per tournament: Tournament fees, flights, hotels, athlete & equipment transportation, meals, hydration, equipment supplies & repairs, etc. — $10,000

• Four to five tournaments per season — $40,000–$50,000 total

💰Ways to Donate:

🐝Zelle: info@beeabled.org

🐝PayPal: info@beeabled.org

🐝CashApp: $beeabled

🐝Venmo: @beeabledhtx

🐝Online: https://www.beeabled.org/donate

🐝Check: Make payable to “Bee Abled”. Mail to: PO Box 1574, Deer Park, TX 77536

You can also click below to make a donation using a credit card or PayPal.

All donations no matter the amount are tax deductible and directly support the growth of our adaptive sports programs, community outreach, and athlete resources.

If you have any questions regarding sponsorship, feel free to send an email to Gloria Suarez at gloria@beeabled.org.

Thank you for helping us create a community where movement has no limits.