UESL Sponsors the Foundation of Developmental Disabilities Grantee Showcase
Last night, the Unified Esports League (UESL) team had the honor of participating in the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD) 2025 Grantee Showcase. At our UESL Experience booth, families and community partners immersed themselves in interactive demos of our gaming + technology curriculum—and as one of the event’s platinum sponsors, we were proud to both celebrate and give back to the organization that made our journey possible.
FDD 2025 Grantee Showcase
The Grantee Showcase is an annual gala hosted by FDD to honor the remarkable achievements of its Program Grant Recipients—nonprofit innovators empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) and their families across San Diego and Imperial Counties. Held on May 21, 2025, at the San Diego Air + Space Museum, the evening featured opportunities to network with community leaders and enjoy exclusive access to museum exhibits.
Who Is the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD)?
Founded in 1986, FDD’s mission is to generate and distribute funds to innovative programs that enhance quality of life for individuals with IDDs, while their vision is to provide equitable access to opportunities that help each person reach their full potential. Through grantmaking, scholarships, and emergency assistance, FDD addresses core impact areas—employment, family support, housing, and self-advocacy—reaching thousands of families annually.
How FDD Ignited the UESL Journey
When we set out to launch our flagship gaming + technology center at Abraxas High School in Poway, securing seed funding was critical. FDD answered that call with our very first grant, covering the cost of cutting-edge gaming hardware, adaptive controllers, and professional coach training. That pivotal support transformed an empty classroom into an inclusive learning lab—unlocking the door to UESL’s mission of empowering students with IDDs through technology, teamwork, and expert coaching.
Since opening our Poway location, UESL has welcomed hundreds of clients and their families into a compassionate community. Parents tell us that seeing their children master complex game mechanics, collaborate on team strategies, and celebrate every milestone has been nothing short of life-changing. Each triumph—whether it’s a level completed, an esports victory, or a new friendship formed—echoes FDD’s belief in innovation as a catalyst for inclusion.
A Heartfelt Thank You!
As we continue expanding UESL’s footprint across San Diego County—bringing new centers, coaches, and opportunities to more schools and community spaces—we carry FDD’s generosity with us. To CEO Sitara Sethi, Development Manager Jill Weber, the FDD board, and every supporter: thank you for believing in UESL when we were just getting started! We couldn’t have made it to where we are today without you and we are eternally grateful!
