All You Need To Know About Wheelchair Basketball At Paralympics 2024
History of Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair basketball was invented in 1946 by Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, a British neurologist. He introduced the sport to help rehabilitate World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries.
The first international wheelchair basketball tournament was held in 1948 at the Stoke Mandeville Games in England. The sport quickly gained popularity and was included in the Paralympic Games in 1960.
Rules of Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair basketball is played on a standard basketball court with a regulation-sized basketball. Players use wheelchairs to move around the court and shoot the ball into the basket. The rules of wheelchair basketball are similar to the rules of able-bodied basketball, with some modifications to accommodate the use of wheelchairs.
- Players must dribble the ball while sitting in their wheelchairs.
- Players may take two steps while holding the ball, but they must bounce the ball at least once every two steps.
- Players may not lift their wheelchairs off the ground while holding the ball.
Wheelchair Basketball at the Paralympics
Wheelchair basketball is one of the most popular sports at the Paralympic Games. It is played by both men and women, and there are two divisions: Division A and Division B. Division A is for the most competitive teams, while Division B is for teams with less experience or with players who have more severe disabilities.
At the 2020 Paralympic Games, the United States won the gold medal in both the men's and women's wheelchair basketball tournaments. The Netherlands won the silver medal in the men's tournament, and Japan won the silver medal in the women's tournament. China won the bronze medal in both tournaments.
Future of Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair basketball is a growing sport, and it is expected to continue to grow in popularity in the coming years. The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) is working to promote the sport and increase participation around the world.
The IWBF is also working to develop new technologies to make wheelchair basketball more accessible to people with disabilities. For example, the IWBF is developing a new type of wheelchair that is lighter and more maneuverable than traditional wheelchairs.
Conclusion
Wheelchair basketball is a competitive and exciting sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It is a great way to get exercise, stay active, and socialize with others. If you are interested in learning more about wheelchair basketball, please visit the IWBF website.
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