SAN MARCOS, Calif. (January 21, 2026) — The Unified Esports League (UESL) will host a world-first Super Smash Grand Championship for individuals with special needs on February 21 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Bornemann Theatre located on the TERI Campus for Life in San Marcos.
The inaugural championship will bring together 24 finalists from UESL’s six San Diego County and Imperial County locations to compete for a team trophy, as well as individual first-, second-, and third-place individual recognition. Participants are currently preparing to earn the title of Unified Esports League Grand Champion.
UESL and TERI both serve people with disabilities through inclusive, skill-building programs. TERI currently hosts UESL’s Technology Center in San Marcos, supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through hands-on technology and gaming experiences.
“The Bornemann Theatre at TERI Campus of Life is the perfect location for this inaugural event,” says UESL Founder and CEO Matthew Iske. “Our goal is to create opportunities where players with IDD can be part of a team, building friendships and learning through positive gaming experiences.”
The Bornemann Theatre is both a public live entertainment venue and the performing arts center for TERI program participants with autism and other developmental disabilities.
UESL is a San Diego based organization that provides its Technology Education Program to help those with special needs develop skills through their passion for technology. UESL programs operate during after-school hours, five days a week at its various locations in San Diego and Imperial Counties. UESL opened its doors in 2023 after several years of planning and developing its curriculum.
“This program not only teaches players the values of being on a team but serves as an opportunity to make friends while learning about new technologies in the video game and tech industries,” adds Iske.
At the event, there will be light refreshments hosted on the patio next to The Bornemann Theatre entrance, beginning at 2:00 p.m. for guests as they arrive. Live Super Smash characters will be present and available to have pictures taken as well. The Grand Championship competition begins at 3:00 p.m.
The public is welcome and invited to attend for FREE! Seating is limited to 200 seats on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVP here: go.tericampusoflife.org/supersmash.
UESL Super Smash Grand Championship
Saturday, February 21, 2026
2 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
TERI Campus of Life
555 Deer Springs Rd
San Marcos, CA 92069
For Further Information
Contact: Founder CEO Matthew Iske matthew@unifiedesl.com
About UESL
The Unified Esports League (UESL) is an in-person program dedicated to technology education to create social-emotional growth for people with disabilities. By supporting environments that utilize the positive aspects of technology and gaming to enhance well-being, UESL has grown to six locations throughout San Diego County. An approved vendor of the San Diego Regional Center, UESL programs are available to SDRC clients, ages 8 – adult, at no cost to the participating individual and their family. Through partnerships, the special needs community can thrive in a safe, supportive gaming environment while fostering passion for technology as a launchpad for developing life skills. For more information, visit www.unifiedesl.com.
About TERI
TERI (Training Education & Resource Institute) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 with the mission to change the way the world sees, helps, and empowers individuals with special needs. Dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults, and seniors with developmental and learning disabilities, TERI provides lifelong specialized education, arts and enrichment programs, and family support services. Its 20-acre TERI Campus of Life in San Marcos, Calif., is a one-of-a-kind destination where connection and community intersect to celebrate all abilities. Learn more at www.tericampusoflife.org.
About The Bornemann Theatre
Established in 2024, The Bornemann Theatre is a premier destination for live entertainment in North County San Diego and a cornerstone of the TERI Campus of Life. By day, the 200-seat indoor theater serves as the stage for the TERI Players, a talented group of adults with special needs in TERI’s Center for the Arts Program. At night and on weekends, The Bornemann transforms into a lively venue for music, comedy, film, and dramatic arts. It is also available to rent. The Bornemann Theatre was made by possible through the generosity of Cindy and James Bornemann. Proceeds from shows and venue rentals support TERI’s mission to empower individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities throughout every stage of life. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thebornemann.com.
