Our Story

Bustin Barriers is the outgrowth of passion: a love of sports - and sharing them with individuals of all abilities; a commitment to inclusion and the belief that individuals experiencing disability, regardless of financial resources, deserve the opportunity to be active, be involved in sports activities, have fun and enjoy meaningful socialization in a safe environment.

Bustin Barriers began as Bustin Buckets, a program providing basketball coaching to kids experiencing disability.  Through a series of meetings with parents and teachers, a need for physical activities and sports targeted to kids with disabilities was established. Working with an Adapted PE teacher, parents and volunteers, Bustin Buckets began in the summer of 2012 - offering three weeklong camps at Jackson Middle School. The camps generated interest amongst parents. The third camp expanded its emphasis - campers, in addition to honing their basketball skills, developed and put on a talent show. For some kids, it was their first performance in front of other people. Enthusiasm for the upcoming talent show even garnered the interest of KGW News who filmed portions of the event. As Bustin Barriers completed its first season of camps, participating parents and volunteers suggested that the name Bustin Buckets did not fully reflect activities occurring at camp. They suggested that the name be changed to reflect the broader scope of the program - and Bustin Barriers was born.

Bustin Barriers is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization registered with the State of Oregon. It was founded by Andrew Yoshihara, an individual with 20 years of coaching experience, as well as camp and recreational direction. Core Bustin Barriers programs now include summer camps, annual adapted basketball tournaments for high school and transition program students as well as middle school tournament, an indoor soccer program and a Saturday Program offering half day fun for kids and their siblings. Teen volunteers, both individuals experiencing disability and non-disabled individuals, serve as Peer Coaches working with participants. They support the Bustin Barriers’ value that all kids, regardless of ability, deserve the opportunity to be active and have fun.