It is very important for people with disabilities to be involved in sports and activities if possible. It is good physical therapy and psychologically advantageous, helping self confidence and giving opportunities to socialize. These sports, including wheelchair basketball, can be played as a fun activity and at an international level of competition.
Following WWII, there were many US servicemen confined to a wheelchair, and the first record of wheelchair basketball taking place was in 1946 when veterans played each other. The sport grew in popularity, eventually crossing to many other parts of the world.
In England, the sport started at a famous hospital called Stoke Mandeville. Its spinal injuries department is one of the largest in Europe and advances in treatment and rehabilitation there have made it a very valuable resource. The staff encouraged playing sports and wheelchair basketball games began in 1956. The hospital went on to help found the sport's governing body, the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation.
Today, there are several international competitions and the sport has played an important role at the Paralympic Games since its first inclusion at the Rome Games in 1960. The Gold Cup is a qualifying event that takes place two years after the Paralympics. Currently, the sport is dominated by the USA, Canada, Australia, England, Japan and the Netherlands.
The sport abides within the rules as set down by the International Basketball Federation and games are played on a standard size court and with a 10-foot basketball hoop. Certain rules, of course, have to be adapted. Players are not allowed to touch the wheels more than twice after receiving the ball or dribbling the ball. They must bounce, shoot or pass the ball before they can touch the wheels again.
Some countries allow mixed teams, consisting of able bodied players and players with disabilities. This mixed wheelchair basketball is found in Australia, Canada and England. Generally, teams of wheelchair bound players operate a points system, which governs the make up of the team in terms of degree of disability. Certain players have full paraplegia below the chest.
This kind of basketball is highly competitive and quick. Games are exciting and very enjoyable for spectators to watch. The clash of speeding wheels is quite common! Men, women and children can all enjoy wheelchair basketball. It is one of the best sports for people with disabilities who want to continue in competitive sport.
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