Wheelchair basketball is rolling out again in 2016 and its new administrator wants more players to try the sport.
A first-time player himself, Lee Illing said athletes of all abilities should come out and enjoy the challenge.
“It’s quite hard,” said Illing. “In a wheelchair, I can’t get the ball anywhere near the hoop from the three-point line. It’s amazing how much of your shot comes from your legs.
The team, known as Powell River Ravens, was formed about six years ago by Model Community Project for Persons with Disabilities to help promote awareness about how people live with disabilities.
Aside from awareness, the sport also helps players develop upper body strength. Because the sport is on wheels, games can be fast and exciting, an additional benefit, said Illing.
“You can get up to quite high speeds,” he said, “and there is more contact between players in wheelchair basketball.”
In addition to quicker speed of play, rules are also slightly different for wheelchair basketball, he said.
“You are allowed to take two spins of the wheels while the ball sits in your lap,” said Illing. “After that you have to bounce it, and once the ball is away from you, people can reach in to take it.”
Although the team is used to competing at tournaments, Illing said the focus now is more on fun and getting people of all abilities out on the court.
“It is about getting people together,” he said. “We have a varied group with some who play at a high level and others who are quite new to the sport.”
Sport chairs with angled wheels and finger guards are available for use, 14 for adults and six smaller chairs for children. Joining the Ravens is free.
Illing said all ages can play, although because of the speed of play, he does not recommend the sport for children under eight years of age.
“You really have to accelerate and push with your hands,” said Illing, who recommends players wear bicycle gloves. “You really do need a bit of upper body strength.”
Ravens meet for practice and five-a-side play every Friday between 5-6:30 pm, starting January 8, at Oceanview Educational Centre gym.
Illing said he is also involved with sledge hockey starting up at Powell River Recreation Complex, although dates and times have not been set. Played on specially built sledges, the accessible sport first came to Powell River in 2012 through Powell River Disability Sport Club.
For more information call Illing at 604.578.1976.
