Orange County awards $15,000 Grant to Central Florida Dreamplex for Youth Wheelchair Basketball

Orange County, FL – Orange County’s Neighborhood Services Division has awarded Central Florida Dreamplex a $15,000 Subsidios para el fomento de deportes juveniles. The funds will help the local nonprofit to expand its Orlando Magic Dreamers youth wheelchair basketball program.

"Wheelchair basketball gave me a space where my disability didn't hold me back," said Adriel Rosario, a 16-year-old member of the Orlando Magic Dreamers. "The team gave me a community where I belong and a court where I can compete at full strength."

The grant will support the purchase of uniforms and specialized sports wheelchairs. Due to the high cost of sports wheelchairs, the County's investment will expand access to adaptive sports and create more opportunities for athletes ages 5 to 18 who might otherwise be left watching from the sidelines.

"We are incredibly grateful to Orange County for investing in our athletes," said Cameron Gomes, CEO of Central Florida Dreamplex. "This grant will help more young people get onto the court, build confidence, and experience the belonging that comes from being part of a team."

The Youth Sports Enhancement Grant provides financial support for facility improvements and program enhancements for eligible nonprofit organizations that offer public youth sports programs. To qualify, organizations must ensure that their programs are accessible to all participants and do not require exclusionary eligibility criteria.

To learn more about the grant, or other funding opportunities from Orange County’s Neighborhood Services Division, visit Neighborhood Services Grants Program | Engage Orange County.