This past summer I had the opportunity to play Adapted Basketball with those who aren't as fortunate as I am and are paraplegics or are suffering from medical conditions and disorders that don’t allow them to use their legs. You may not believe it, but Cedar Valley has an Adapted Basketball team that competes locally and has participated in the Special Olympics and other individuals, who only play recreationally. I had the opportunity to play with one of the teams this summer while I was taking summer classes and participating in team workouts. This was my second time playing, as I played a few years ago.

My first time, it was very difficult to stay in the wheelchair and learn how to be an effective player using what I already knew. I thought it was hard to be in a wheelchair and play basketball. It allowed me to see what it is like in their shoes and learn what they go through every day. I have never been in a wheelchair before.

Doing this was an eye opener for me and put a lot of smiles on their faces. Here is a quote that I enjoy: “Let your smile change the world, don’t let the world change your smile”- Author Unknown.

For me personally playing adopted basketball in a wheelchair isn’t easy at all. I still thought it was difficult even though I have played before. I had to try and find a wheel chair that was big enough for me and allowed my legs to sit comfortably. Almost everyone that I played with had a custom fit wheel chair specifically made to play basketball. Many athletes think sports other than their own are easy, until they actually play and realize what it takes to be good and competitive at the sport they are trying out. I never considered Adopted Basketball to be an easy sport. I admire them and it makes me realize how much I am blessed every day to have all my limbs and the capability to use them, because one day they could just be gone or taken away. So I thank GOD every day for blessing me to have everything I have and the ability to play this game I LOVE called basketball.

Below are some rules and explanation of how I was told the game goes.

First, you have to be able to move fast in your wheelchair and change speeds just as you would in regular basketball, but you can’t use your legs so it’s totally different. Second, you can only dribble twice and or roll your wheels twice before both shooting and passing. This ensures that everyone gets participates in the game, as it’s more of a team effort. Next, no matter how big or small you are, you can be flipped out of your chair. It is advised that you wear your seatbelt so if this does happen, there won’t be as many injuries. Finally, just have fun and compete just as you would in regular basketball because they play to win and compete hard every single play. The same is true for them as it is for me when I play out on the court.

I enjoyed my time playing with these individuals and I would definitely do it again. Although they can’t play basketball the same way I do and despite our differences, we share a commonality: Love and passion for the game!