By Jenny Buchanan, Central Florida Dreamplex
Funding will expand competitive opportunities, promote health and wellness, and empower young athletes with physical disabilities across Central Florida.
Central Florida Dreamplex is proud to announce it has received a $25,000 grant from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) to support its Orlando Magic Dreamers Competitive Wheelchair Basketball Program. The investment will help strengthen the program, allowing young athletes with physical disabilities to compete, build confidence, develop lifelong skills, and experience the power of inclusion.
Established in 2019 and expanded into competitive play in 2023, the Orlando Magic Dreamers is the first competitive youth wheelchair basketball program in Central Florida. The program serves athletes through two National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) divisions: Prep NIT, for children ages 5-13, and Varsity JNIT, for teens ages 14–18.
During the 2025–2026 season, the Dreamers conducted more than 45 structured practices, maintained over 90% athlete attendance, and participated in regional competitions. The Varsity team earned an invitation to the NWBA National Tournament as one of only 16 teams selected nationwide, ultimately finishing 14th in the country. Beyond competition, the Dreamers reached more than 1,000 youth and community members through school demonstrations, disability awareness events, and Orlando Magic partnership activities.
“This grant represents so much more than financial support. It represents opportunity, inclusion, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to participate in sports,” said Cameron Gomes, CEO of Central Florida Dreamplex.
Expanding Opportunities for the 2026–2027 Season
With support from OMYF, Dreamplex aims to expand participation and strengthen competitive and recreational opportunities for young athletes throughout Central Florida. Goals for the upcoming season include:
- Increasing competitive participation from 14 to 18 athletes.
- Conducting 50 structured practices to maintain at least 90% athlete attendance.
- Hosting three inclusive “Try-It” clinics to introduce at least 75 new youth with physical disabilities to wheelchair basketball.
- Participating in five regular-season tournaments and pursuing national tournament qualification for both competitive teams.
The grant will help reduce financial barriers associated with competitive athletics, including tournament participation, uniforms, and program activities, ensuring more young athletes have access to opportunities regardless of their families’ financial circumstances.
A Partnership That Goes Beyond the Basketball Court
In addition to the $25,000 award, Central Florida Dreamplex was selected to participate in the newly launched OMYF Collective, an initiative designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations through collaboration, professional development, and leadership training.
Through the OMYF Collective Catalyst initiative, participating nonprofits gain access to educational opportunities offered by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Edyth Bush Institute, including training in digital fundraising, artificial intelligence, nonprofit governance, strategic leadership, and organizational sustainability. Dreamplex was recognized alongside fellow grant recipients at the inaugural OMYF Collective Impact Reveal on Sept. 22, 2026, at the Kia Center Practice Court in Orlando.
“The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation is doing something truly meaningful by investing not only in programs but also in the nonprofit leaders and organizations behind them,” said Cameron Gomes, Chief Executive Officer of Central Florida Dreamplex. “This partnership demonstrates the power of bringing together major community organizations and nonprofits to create lasting change.”
About Central Florida Dreamplex
Founded in 2009, Central Florida Dreamplex is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities through sports, recreation, therapy, education, and employment. Serving children, teens, and adults throughout Central Florida, Dreamplex offers innovative programs designed to promote independence, inclusion, and an improved quality of life. For more information, visit www.cfldreamplex.com.
About the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation
The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families throughout Central Florida. Through community investments, strategic partnerships, and leadership development opportunities, OMYF works to create meaningful and lasting impact throughout the region.
