Hello Beer Farmers,

It’s another great week; it’s coming to an end soon – but not before we have: poetry, bands, and fundraisers, oh my! Saturday, we have a very special event headed our/your way. Those of you who have been to the Wells Park location, know that it plays host to so much space for entertainment, that we often fill it with things. Saturday is no exception. There will be: LIVE art, both: art fusion, and singular live acrylic artists, raffles, merchandise and vendor booths, and music by The Riddims and Burque Sol – BEST PART IS: it’s ALL FREE! Why? Saturday from 1-5pm we benefit the ABQ Kings Wheelchair Basketball Team.

“The Albuquerque Kings are New Mexico’s elite wheelchair basketball organization and the most active adaptive sports club in New Mexico. They are composed of three groups, a professional (nationally ranked) team, a community (exercise first) group, and a junior (competitive fun and development) team,” said Melanie Brionez, the coach of the Kings, when we talked to her about Saturday’s event. Brionez helps to head up the fundraisers and community outreach, aside from being the teams Coach. She is passionate in what she does, and upholding the mission of an organization like the ABQ Kings.

“The mission of the Albuquerque Kings is to promote wheelchair basketball in a fun and competitive environment. We have been around for 30+ years as a local team promoting physical exercise and an environment where physically disabled individuals can get together. The Kings support and promote the junior program with the goal of sending players into collegiate programs, professional overseas team opportunities, and to our NWBA team, the Kings. We also provide an environment for individuals looking for fun and exercise,” Brionez added.

The kings are much more than a basketball team though. The team gives back to the community with outreach programs in schools, exhibitions for rehabilitation centers, education to the medical community, and helping other non-profits succeed. The team also works not only locally, but also statewide creating awareness through veteran training, physical therapy workshops, junior wheelchair cams, public education events and much more.  We asked Melanie, how she got involved with such an incredible organization.”I became involved with the Kings 3 years ago when a friend of mine, who also happened to be the previous coach, introduced me to the team and they had asked me if I would like to take over the position.” She has inherited a true gift, but also a tall task, in helping the team to continue its community efforts, and athletic goals. They can always use our help. We asked Melanie how folks might be able to get involved and stay in the loop with the team and its happenings and she provided us with some information.

We followed up our casual conversation with a quick and informative Q&A for anyone coming to support on Saturday, and or for anyone wanting to support beyond. Melanie’s answers to all our event and fundraising questions are below:

Beyond this fundraiser, how can folks help you out? 

Folks can help out by going to our website abqkings.org and either mailing in a donation or submitting an online donation. All donations are tax deductible.

What can folks expect on October 3rd – From 1-5pm?

Folks can expect a community of live art (including a live art auction), live music from Burque Sol & Riddims, performances by the Desert Darlings belly dancers, food trucks (Greek Geek), Tractor Brewing, raffles, live demos, games and prizes for the kids, a face painter and ballon artist for the kids, and much, much more!

It’s FREE right? So how do people give?

People can give donations, purchase raffle tickets and support all of the local vendors, bands, and organizations that will be out there helping out with the event.

What’s the next big thing for the KINGS? 

The next big thing for the KINGS is that we begin tournament play in December and have our local tournament, The 6th Annual Duke City Classic, on January 16th-17th at UNM Johnson Gym. Our local tournament is also free to the public, so we hope everyone will go out and watch some great, competitive games and support your Albuquerque Kings.