HUG's 2026 Inclusive Beach Party
A hot summery day in the middle of January. The most inclusive beach party that Tampa Bay has ever witnessed- right on the Sand Key Park Mobility Mat.
Have you ever had a dream? A big dream? One that you knew would require dedication and a bit of perseverance to see it through? Robin and the HUG team certainly did. Installing a 400 ft. mobility mat on Sand Key Beach to improve accessibility for everyone was always the dream, and the feeling of accomplishing such a feat in 2023 was unmatched. The feeling continues to persist year after year, when hundreds of friends gather to joyfully dance up and down the mat, play adaptive soccer and spike ball, watch live entertainment on the sand, and limbo lower than ever-before-seen.
HUG’s third annual inclusive beach party was our final event that will go down in history forevermore. Trust us, it was nothing but good vibes, high tides, and memories to last a lifetime.
The afternoon kicked off as dozens of friends rolled up to the beach where they received schedules and food vouchers to check out as they strolled down to the mat and reached the Subway handout station. Every friend had their choice of sandwich, with chips and a cookie of course (everyone’s favorite beach snack combo).
With Subway bags in tow, friends made their way toward the end of the mat to lay out beach chairs and towels, settling in for the sunshine and an incoming magic show.
While everyone mixed, mingled, and munched, Al Nye the Magic Guy entered the picture. Al’s walkup song, “Magic by B.o.B”, rang out and the HUG friends knew it was time to watch something spectacular.
Tricks came to life, HUG friends volunteered to assist and pull off marvelous magical moments, and Al gave a showstopping performance, earning much applause from all the HUG friends.
Then, Robin came over the mic to announce that it was time for game-playing, photo-taking, and face-painting at last!
Volunteers manned stations ranging from cornhole to KanJam to spike ball to HUG’s iconic photo booth. HUG friends spread out far and wide trying out every game of interest and excitedly choosing designs to have painted on their cheeks. A major hit of the afternoon was HUG’s newly acquired adaptive soccer ball, thanks to the generosity of the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation, allowing for more inclusive game play.
Tropical summer jams could be heard from every corner of the beach, keeping everyone dancing and raising the energy throughout the afternoon.
After many game rotations and with newly painted faces, the HUG friends made their way back to the prime designated dance floor area of the mobi-mat for a beachy dance lesson taught by HUG’s team member/dance teacher, Sarah.
It was a good thing everyone was nice and warm from moving and grooving together, because it was suddenly time to get low for limbo. Just envision dozens of adults of all abilities, 300 ft. down the sand atop the mobility mat, lining up to show off their skills. A record-breaking limbo line formed and the poles dropped lower and lower until the final HUG friend gave their best attempt to sneak under. Giggles and words of encouragement were shared among many, and no one was ready to see the final round end.
In no time, all of the HUG friends were divided into two teams, prepared to engage in a fierce competition of tug-of-war along the mobi-mat. Friends of all abilities worked together, giving their all, until one side prevailed. Every bit of wonderful teamwork that took place was beyond worth cheering for.
After much hard work and many fun activities, it was time to wind down (and enjoy a sugar high). The HUG friends were completely surprised when Robin, HUG’s wonderful volunteers, and the HUG Team brought out birthday cupcakes to celebrate Robin’s birthday all together a bit early.
A birthday card signing took place, and moments from the evening began to shift to memories.
In true Florida fashion, the sunset was breathtaking. Everyone basked in the golden light of the day’s final hours together, and smiled at the friendships formed amidst the fun.
HUG’s beach party was truly one for the books, and a most wonderful way to wrap up eight years of special moments, friendships, and memories.
That big dream of Robin’s and the HUG team did take dedication, and it did take perseverance. That dream continues to live on in the way that it impacts hundreds of people positively every day.
Opportunities for people with mobility challenges are far too often limited. HUG questioned why every person in a power chair shouldn’t be able to toss beach balls or limbo on a beautiful shoreline too. Because of this dream, and many just like it, joy is spread and inclusion is prioritized.
Though this may be HUG’s final Inclusive Beach Party, the Sand Key Mobility Mat, and so many other mobi-mats, have not seen the last of joyful humans making the most of such uniquely accessible spaces.
Written by Sarah Bryan
