The City of Orillia is bringing back its wheelchair basketball program after a two-year hiatus.
The league was last offered in 2022 and was cancelled due to low participation. After adjusting the format and receiving support from passionate volunteers, the program is set to resume on Sept. 13.
The new six-week introduction to the wheelchair basketball program focuses on skill development rather than league play.
"This change allows the program to run with a lower minimum number of participants, allowing this adaptative sport to be more accessible to more community members," explained Blaire Gunnarson, the city's sport and senior recreation coordinator.
Gunnarson says wheelchair basketball is an "adaptive sport" that can be played by people of all abilities.
"It follows many of the same rules as able-bodied basketball but with some modifications to accommodate the use of wheelchairs," she explained. "This program is for everyone, regardless of age, ability or experience."
To participate in the program, all athletes must fit comfortably in a basketball wheelchair. For those who are unsure if the program is right for them, free drop-in sessions will be held at the Orillia Recreation Centre (ORC) on Sept. 13 and Sept. 20 from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Elliott Williamson, a wheelchair basketball player and program instructor, says the game is celebrated worldwide and is played at the Paralympic Games, currently underway in Paris.
"One of the unique aspects people love is the design and dynamics of sports chairs, which offer a completely different experience from everyday wheelchairs," he explained. "The game of wheelchair basketball is fast-paced and dynamic and allows all abilities to play together."
Williamson says wheelchair basketball is one of the most interesting and exciting parasports.
"Wheelchair basketball takes a lot of skill to navigate the court in a wheelchair, while also possessing the agility, speed, and coordination necessary to make shots, pass the ball and defend against opposing players," Gunnarson added.
"Beyond the technical aspects of the game, wheelchair basketball promotes teamwork, strategy, and precision," Williamson says. "In my experience, wheelchair basketball teaches you to notice the exceptionalities of others while working as a team."
For those looking for a good exercise this fall, Williamson says wheelchair basketball provides one of the best workouts one could ever have.
"I tell people it is a full-body workout despite being in a wheelchair," he said. "For able-bodied people, you can use your feet to push down into the footplate to gain momentum, you can use your hips and core to manoeuvre the chair, and your upper body will feel it the next day."
Wheelchair basketball takes place at the ORC on Friday nights this fall from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. While try-it-on sessions are free, the six-week introductory course costs $45 for residents of Orillia and $58.50 for non-residents. To sign up, click here.
