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NewsCalMattersOctober 26, 2026Los Angeles County

Wheelchair Basketball Program at California Medical Facility Fosters Rehabilitation and Personal Growth

Photo: CalMatters

A wheelchair basketball program at the California Medical Facility brings together able-bodied and disabled incarcerated men to build community, practice conflict resolution, and support personal rehabilitation. The initiative, founded by recreation supervisor Jeremiah Holland and coached in part by Paralympians and outside experts, serves as a model for prison sports programs. Meanwhile, California is expanding sports programming statewide following Gov. Gavin Newsom's signing of the Second Chance Sports Act.

Criminal JusticeRehabilitationSportsDisability Services
Read the full story at CalMatters

Why It Matters

Incarcerated participants in California's organized prison sports programs can earn credits leading to early release, while facility recreation initiatives aim to develop social skills and support personal transformation.

Key Facts

  • Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Second Chance Sports Act on September 30, directing the California prison system to expand sports programming and allow participants to earn early release credits.
  • The California Medical Facility hosts a wheelchair basketball program that integrates able-bodied incarcerated men and those with physical disabilities.
  • The program was created by Jeremiah Holland, who served as the facility's recreation supervisor until about a month prior to the report.
  • Incarcerated participants like Larry Roach act as inside coaches and help lead team check-ins and conflict resolution.
  • Outside experts and coaches, including Paralympians Joe Chambers and head coach Mieko Chambers, support the program.
  • Landon Jackson, a formerly incarcerated participant who joined the program to assist wheelchair users, was released in 2024 following support from facility leadership.
  • The wheelchair basketball program at the facility was launched publicly in late 2022.

Who's Mentioned

PersonJeremiah Holland“Creator of the wheelchair basketball program and former facility recreation supe”PersonBrian L. Frank“Photographer for CatchLight/The Marshall Project.”OrganizationLos Angeles Clippers Chairmen“National Wheelchair Basketball Association team.”PersonJoe Chambers“Two-time Paralympian and outside coach for the wheelchair basketball team.”PersonLavonte McDowell“Player for the Los Angeles Clippers Chairmen and former player on the CMF team.”OrganizationTeam USA“National sports team representation.”OrganizationNational Wheelchair Basketball Association“Sports association governing wheelchair basketball.”otherSecond Chance Sports Act“Legislation directing the state's prison system to expand sports programming and”OrganizationCatchLight/The Marshall Project“Publishing/media organization.”PersonGavin Newsom“Governor of California who signed the Second Chance Sports Act.”PersonMieko Chambers“Head coach of the CMF wheelchair basketball team and the Los Angeles Clippers Ch”PersonLandon Jackson“Formerly incarcerated participant in the wheelchair basketball program who was r”locationCalifornia Medical Facility“Prison about 55 miles from San Francisco housing men with physical disabilities ”PersonLarry Roach“Incarcerated inside coach for the wheelchair basketball team at California Medic”