Basketball
Wheelchair basketball, opens in a new tab. In the 1940’s, after a cohort of basketball players returned from World War II to the U.S.A unable to play able-bodied basketball, adapted rules were developed to enable basketball to be played in wheelchairs. It is now played in over 80 countries with over 100,00 players at all levels globally. Australia competes in both 5x5 and 3x3 competitions internationally.
- Coaching Wheelchair Basketball, opens in a new tab, Basketball Australia, (2018).
Wheelchair Basketball Australia, opens in a new tab. Founded in 2024 as the home of the National Wheelchair Basketball Leagues for men (NWBL) and women (WNWBL). However, the first NWBL was formed in 1988, and the WNWBL in 2000.
Suncoast Spinners Wheelchair Basketball, opens in a new tab (QLD). Provides inclusive wheelchair sport to the Sunshine Coast community and greater region. Caters for physically disabled and able-bodied athletes in the sport of Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby. Reverse Inclusion aims to deliver a truly inclusive sporting opportunity where people of all abilities can play sport together on an equal playing field (court). The importance of access to sport and the benefits of inclusion practices within the wider community are major awareness.
HoopNow, opens in a new tab (VIC). Runs Group and 1 on 1 Programs across Victoria. It aims is to create a safe and supportive environment that allows for children with developmental challenges to participate to the best of their ability.
- A new program is helping young people with special needs to play basketball, opens in a new tab, Denis Curnow, SBS News, (25 October 2020). In just a few months, Melbourne’s HoopNow has signed up more than 35 families and five special needs schools. Its co-founder tells SBS News there’s more to the project than learning to play sport.