Living in Colorado sometimes has it's perks, and being able to go to the National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament is one of them. The tournament this year is being held in Denver. Players from all over the nation are here. This was very exciting for me, seeing so much talent in one place, not only motivated me, but gave me a feeling that there are no limits .
I met many of the players and I asked many questions. This was my first exposure to wheelchair basketball. I was lucky enough to talk to Michael Frogley, Head Coach of the Men' Wheelchair Basketball team at the University Of Illinois.
Mike led the University of Illinois’ Women’s wheelchair basketball team to a repeat National Championship. Coach Frogley also helped Team Canada win gold at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics and bronze at the 2002 Gold Cup World Championships. This man is amazing. I watched him talk to a possible, future wheelchair player for the University of Illinois. We talked about basketball, and how some of his tips could help me with my wheelchair tennis. I am now thinking about giving wheelchair basketball a try.
The players arrived early at the Gold Crown Field House. Vans were lined up everywhere. I have never seen so many wheelchairs users in one place. Many of the players came in two chairs, their normal wheelchairs and their court chairs.
I found out that this is the first time that the NWBA has hosted the national championships
for six different divisions, all at one location. Some of the divisions are the Mens and Women's Divisions, Varsity Division, JV Divisioon, Prep Devision amd Champions Division. Not all games were at one location, several locations were used. This tournament is a big event, and has much to offer the public. It's great entertainment, and to see the spirit and motivation of these players is exciting to watch.
The women's games were fast and exciting. The women play as hard and with as much talent as the men. I like watching wheelchair basketball much better than watching abled bodied basketball. Many people don't know about the sport, and I encourage anyone in the area to come down to watch some great basketball.
There were many people there to cheer their favorite team. If you were in a wheelchair, space was a little limited, but everyone had a good spot to watch the action.
Friendships were made, people shared their knowledge of the game. I learned some neat facts about wheelchair basketball. Did you know that wheelchair basketball has been around longer than the NBA? That's a fact. To read more facts and history about wheelchair tennis, you can go to the NWBA website for more details. http://www.nwba.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13&Itemid=120
Vendors from major handicap services were also at the event. You could look at the latest in sport wheelchairs and equipment. Wheelchair repair is available if you needed a quick fix to get back to the action.
I am now a wheelchair basketball fan. It's a great sport, and I am glad to be able to share my experience with you.
Thanks Everyone
