BY: ROSE SON
BY: ROSE SONWhat is DINO?
DINO, or Disabled Individuals Needing Opportunities, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves both the intellectually and physically disabled community of Stockton. They operate as a sports and recreational center, with the mission to empower disabled people through providing a safe space for them to engage in sports and everyday activities.
How was DINO created?
CEO and Director, Letitcia Thompson, founded DINO in honor of her late son who was a part of the disabled community. Her son, Dino, was a sports fanatic who participated in sporting events all over Stockton, and everyone around town knew him for that. Through basketball, bowling, and more, she saw firsthand how physical activities improved his quality of life, which gave Thompson the realization that there was a need for a community space specifically dedicated to disabled individuals. Thus, Thompson created that space herself called DINO’s Sports Club for Special Needs.
The concept of DINO began in 2019. It started as a small get-together with friends of Dino who were interested in sports like he was. Thompson used community spaces like Victory Park and Seifert Community Center as a spot to host their weekly sporting events. Over time, the DINO community grew, and she realized that expansion was a crucial step to sustaining her organization. In 2022, DINO was finally officially recognized as a non-profit organization and found its permanent location at 400 North El Dorado Street, in downtown Stockton.
What makes DINO unique?
Director Leticia Thompson believes that the members are what keeps DINO alive and well. Each day at the office looks different because their daily program is created with the members’ wants and needs in consideration. Thompson and her team ensure to incorporate activities that expose them to independence, socialization, and life skills education. For instance, on days they go off-site to run errands at the grocery store, her team will teach members how to swipe and use a debit card. On other days that are sports focused, members will be active participants in handing out jerseys before the game. Small actions like that lead to bigger developmental wins in the way members integrate into the world outside of DINO.
DINO Sporting Competitions
Throughout the year, DINO hosts Basketball Regional Competitions, Track and Field Meets, Power Walks, and the Special Olympics for members interested in physical activities. These events involve teamwork and communication, which help members learn and practice responding to change in real time. At DINO, sporting events and physical activities act as an outlet to not only improve health and wellbeing but build self-determination and confidence in individuals too.
To learn more about DINO and their services, visit their website here.
Details
📍 Address: 400 N. El Dorado Street
🖥️ Website: https://disabledindividualsneedingopportunities.org/
💌 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone Number: (209)-405-4789
📸 Instagram: @dinossportsclub