Adrian “AD” Robinson, curator of demonstration sports as rehabilitation, dreamt about bringing the Olympics back to the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center after a 64-year absence.
Robinson’s vision stemmed from his own battle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. He has addressed his own afflictions through boxing. The results helped him so much that he reasoned sports could help others suffering similar conditions.
He believed an Olympics-like setting could help individuals overcome mental health obstacles and could bring relief to residents through sports, enhancing their rehabilitation.
Robinson’s new Olympics took place in October 2024. He is looking to do another in 2025, and so the SQNews sports department asked Robinson what he will do with this year’s version.
As Robinson searches for global sponsors like the NBA, NFL, MLB and Nike, he hopes the SQRC Olympics will become a continual support for participants who do not get the opportunity to take part in SQRC’s organized team sports.
SQN: Pleasure to finally catch up with you. How are the second Olympics coming together?
AD: It’s coming along fine, as I’m applying what I’ve learned from the first Olympics to the next one to help it run smoother.
SQN: Are you finding additional sponsorships? If so, who are they?
AD: No, we have not acquired a major sponsor just yet, but we do have some prospects.
SQN : What other type of support helped you establish the Olympics last year?
AD: Along with the conglomerate that is Big House Fitness, which is comprised of athletic coaches, media center representatives, and our outside sponsor, Kevin Rumon, I also received help from the recreation department’s Coach K. Bhatt. Even my mother donated wristbands.
SQN: How does coordinating the event help in your recovery?
AD: It helps put me in direct contact with individuals that I probably would not have communicated with. In doing so, I met and spoke with people who are suffering from the same challenges as I am. Knowing that I’m not alone in my struggles allows me to let others know they are not alone either.
SQN: How would you like the internal and external media to help you?
AD: Internally and externally, I want the media to have the same message. Mental and physical health is a prevalent issue inside as well as outside the walls. If we can collaborate and share solutions to aid our loved ones and ourselves, then we all win. Mostly everyone outside of prison has or knows someone inside they love or care about.
SQN: What events are you keeping from last year and what events are you adding this year?
AD: Well, what I can say is that this year we are adding pickleball, handball, tennis, and boxing [hitting the heavy bag]. We have not decided which events to cut yet.
SQN: How can SQ Olympics add to the California Model, and will staff compete this year?
AD: I believe the California Model is doing an awesome job. That’s the reason I am partnering with them this year, and, yes, staff will be involved.
SQN: Do you see a CDCR Olympics going system-wide?
AD: Yes, I do. That is part of the vision. SQRC is the place of innovation and new norms. My wish is that the SQRC Olympics will become a CDCR Olympics.
SQN: How has all of this made your life improve?
AD: I created the SQRC Olympics to help heal our community through sports, but what happened that I did not expect was the boost in my own self-confidence. In the past, I had a fear of success, and now I possess the fortitude to allow my passion for a cause to propel me forward and as I see it through. Amid all the challenges that we’re presented with, I feel complete. In a sense, I birthed a new me.
SQN: What are your plans for the future?
AD: My plans are to grow the Olympic games until it overflows these walls and spills into the streets of every community in America. Also, I hope to detour our children from becoming our future cell mates through healthy competition.