My uncle was a paraplegic and his accident occurred when he was relatively young, 34 years old. Prior to his accident he was not involved in basketball his favorite sport was motor-cross racing. He was not a competitor but he was very influential in the managerial side of motor-cross events. After his accident he needed a new challenge and he eventually met up with a group of people who also needed a new challenge in their life and they found it in wheelchair basketball.

Basketball is a great sport and is open to so many different cultures and lifestyles including those who have disabilities. There are few people who have a disability that get involved in sporting activities. There are many physical therapeutic and psychological advantages available to people with disabilities who involve themselves in sports activities and wheelchair basketball is a great sport for many people who have a disability. Wheelchair basketball is just one of these options out there. Playing wheelchair basketball can help with issues such as self confidence but not only that, it allows the opportunity for interaction with others.

Many people are also aware that wheelchair basketball is played at an international level. The beginning of wheelchair basket ball is said to date back to the World War II where after the war there were so many serviceman that had been confined to wheelchairs. Then in 1946 those veterans got together in the sport and played their first game. The sport of wheelchair basketball has eventually grown to the way it is today to become a very popular sport all over the world.

The rules of wheelchair basketball are very similar in that they follow the rules of the International Basketball Federation where the games are played on a regulation court and with the 10-foot basketball hoop. Many of the rules were adapted such as the players are not allowed to touch the wheels of their wheelchair more than two times after receiving the ball or dribbling the ball. Then before they are allowed to handle the wheels they must bounce pass or shoot.

International competitions for wheelchair basketball are held all over the world today. The sport of wheelchair basketball is included in the Paralympic Games and has been since 1950. The Paralympics are held every 2 years. There are is also the wheelchair basketball prize of the Gold Cup and currently the countries that are most prominent in the sport are Canada, Australia, USA, Japan, Netherlands and England.

There are many countries that now have mixed teams. Mixed teams comprise able bodied players as well as disabled players. This form of basketball is very quick and as with most sports also highly competitive. The games are very exciting and great entertainment for spectators as well. Wheelchair basketball is enjoyed by the players of course as well as their fans, which makes it a great sport for those who are disabled but wish to remain competitive and of course enjoy sports.

For my uncle this was a great change to the way he viewed his life and after his accident which left him despondent for many years he gained a new lease on life. He did not attend the Paralympics but he certainly enjoyed watching the games with his new found friends and he loved to be able to be physical again on the court amongst those friends. He still plays as a Golden Oldie for a local team in his city but they have a mixed team for the Golden Oldies and it is great to see those with a disability encouraging those without disabilities to get the hang of wheelchair basketball. Who knows what kind of person he would have been if he did not have the opportunity to become part of the wheelchair basketball team.