This week’s Nubability event is a winner all around and one of the brightest parts of a Du Quoin Summer… for a LOT of reasons
By Ryan K Boman | July 16, 2026 | @RyanKBoman on X
We have witnessed the World Cup this year, and the Olympics will be arriving in 2028, but one of the best sporting events in the whole world is taking place in Du Quoin this week. And while there will be plenty of fun and competition, but… at the end of the day? Everyone will be winners. Especially the young, uniquely special kids who are taking part in this uplifting event.
From July 15-19, the NubAbility Athletics Foundation is hosting its 14th Annual All Sports Camp in Du Quoin, Illinois, bringing together more than 150 limb-different athletes and their families from across the country for the nation’s largest gathering of limb-different athletes and coaches.
Since its founding, NubAbility has served more than 2,400 limb-different athletes through 92 camps across 19 states, impacting families from 49 states and 11 countries. More than 20 former campers have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, highlighting the lasting impact of the organization’s mission to empower young athletes through sports and mentorship.
This year’s theme, “Earned Not Given,” reflects the determination, resilience, and confidence these athletes develop both on and off the field. The event offers opportunities for athlete and family interviews, inspiring success stories, adaptive sports demonstrations, and coverage of the opening ceremony.
The NubAbility annual events bring in competitors from all over, and they have genuinely been viewed as one of the brightest parts of the Summer in Du Quoin. The opportunity to enrich the lives of children who haven’t always had the same advantages as others draws people in, because it’s such a pure and joyous cause. Due to community participation, these events can take place successfully. So, naturally, there’s always a call for more
To learn more about NubAbility-Du Quion, or to volunteer to help, call (618) 357-1394, visit them at 720 North Hickory, visit info@nubability.org, or check out the group’s Facebook page HERE
Ryan K Boman is an MLB Columnist for Sports Illustrated and the author of the 2023 book, Pop Music & Peanut Butter: A Collection of Essays Looking at Life with Laughter & Love. His previous work has appeared at MSN, Heavy, the Miami Herald, Screen Rant, FanSided, and Yardbarker.