Join us for an unforgettable evening with the Denver Barbarians, a local wheelchair rugby team that will play in an exciting exhibition match!
Event Schedule
- 6 PM — Al fresco cocktail hour with drinks and heavy hors d’ouevres
- 7–9 PM — Wheelchair rugby match, program, and fundraiser
- Sporty-chic attire
- Onsite parking available
What Is Wheelchair Rugby?
Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced, full-contact Paralympic sport played by athletes with upper- and lower-limb impairments, combining the intensity of rugby with the strategy of basketball. Using specially designed wheelchairs, teams pass, block, and sprint to carry the ball across the goal line in an exciting, hard-hitting match you won’t forget.
The Denver Barbarians Wheelchair Rugby Team
The Barbarians are a Colorado-based club that competes nationally through the United States Wheelchair Rugby Association. Known for their physical, high-level play and strong team culture, the Barbarians are dedicated to advancing adaptive sports, building community, and increasing visibility for wheelchair rugby across Colorado and beyond.
The Denver Barbarians are proud to have eight Craig graduates on their team: James Campbell, Carlos Flores, Logan Fuller, Drew Hoffman, Jarod Nieder, Miles Pancoast, Colton Parker, and Nick Pearce.
Meet the Coach Behind the Denver Barbarians
Nick Pearce is the founder and coach of the Barbarians and will provide commentary during the exhibition match. After a catastrophic spinal cord injury ended his career as a professional mixed martial artist, Nick was forced to redefine strength and purpose. During rehabilitation at Craig Hospital, he discovered wheelchair rugby, an intense, competitive sport that reignited his drive and sense of identity. After years of playing locally, Nick founded the Barbarians to restore a community-first approach to adaptive sports. Built on grit, inclusion, and earned confidence, the Barbarians have become both a competitive force and a brotherhood, helping athletes reclaim independence, purpose, and belonging after injury.
Sponsorships and Tickets
We have a variety of unique sponsorship opportunities available for our Impact Celebration: Adaptive Athletics event. You can review our 2026 sponsorship opportunities and secure your sponsorship via the form below. For sponsorship questions, please contact Janna Fisher, Events Manager and Designer, at jfisher@craighospital.org or 303-789-8347.
Secure your sponsorship and tickets below!
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Inspiration Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
Jandel Allen-Davis, MD and Anthony Davis
Christina and George Caulkins
Lisa and Rich Cohn
Parkhouse Foundation
Copper Sponsors
Dan Campbell and Travis Terry
In Memory of JB Combs
Okano Family
Precision Electric and Control
Roseanne and Hans Schulze
Elena and Dave Wuchner
Maribeth and Chris Younger
Event Contact
Janna Fisher
303-789-8347
jfisher@craighospital.org
Craig Foundation Events
The Craig Foundation produces a variety of events each year to raise money for Craig patients, programs and research. These events would not be possible without the generous support of businesses, organizations and individuals.