‘A real life-extender for me’: Destination Rehab hosts fun day for adults with disabilities at Bend Pavilion

(Update: Adding video, comments from a participant, Destination Rehab)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- From rock climbing to walking practice, playing games and painting, people with disabilities got active Saturday at the Bend Pavilion, taking part in Destination Rehab's SOAR 2024 Activity Day.

The nonprofit serves people who have conditions such as a stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury. Destination Rehab helps people gain confidence and independence, getting back outside and doing the activities they love.

The SOAR program is an annual free community event, getting participants engaged in several activities; activities they didn't believe they could do before or after their diagnosis.   

People took take part in watercolor painting, painting gorgeous landscapes, playing pickleball and wheelchair basketball, among other activities. 

"It's pretty amazing to watch our community grow and come together," said Barbara Sutton, Destination Rehab's program and clinic coordinator. "That is the goal of Destination Rehab, to just get together, get outside."

Redmond resident Larry Graves said, "I've had Parkinson's for 20 years now, and for a lot of years there was no programs for physical, physical activity or good physical therapy. And with what Destination Rehab is offering and a few other places in town. It's been a real life-extender for me."

About 100 people signed up for the SOAR Activity Day this year, as well as walk-ins. It's an event that continues to grow each year.