What is Wheelchair Sports?
Wheelchair sports is just like any sport an able bodied person can play, but it's modified to suit the person's abilities. For example, wheelchair tennis allows each player to hit the ball after two bounces, not just one, like in normal tennis.
The Most popular wheelchair sports include:
Motorcross
Wheelchair users don’t have to sit on the sidelines at the skatepark anymore. This sport has wheelchair users performing tricks adapted from BMX and skate parks around the world.
Tennis
Wheelchair Tennis is probably the most popular out of this list in my opinion because my sister currently plays. Brad Parks started wheelchair tennis in 1970 and it has been a hit in the community ever since. An adaptable wheelchair (sports wheelchair) with widened wheels and a smaller frame, which offer a wide range of accessibility on the court, for the players. Both adults and children flock to the sport, wishing to pursue Paralympic dreams and holding up that gold medal.
Basketball
Wheelchair basketball was introduced to the public in 1956. As the sport increasingly became popular throughout the years the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation was formed to oversee the sport. The rules of the game remain the same as regular basketball with the exception of traveling regulations. Many children and adults have dreams to represent their country in the Paralympics.
Rugby
Wheelchair Rugby was introduced in Winnipeg, Canada in 1976 . The sport became popular really quickly and is now played in more than twenty-five countries. Many young children and adults pursue their dream daily of competing in the Paralympics and represent their country.
Wheelchair Racing
Wheelchair racing, also known as chairing, is increasingly becoming popular among athletes. Kurt Fearnley, an Australian icon and well known Australian athlete. Fearnley has won gold medals in the Paralympics and crawled the Kokoda Track.
Snow Sports
Winter sports such as snow skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling have been adapted for wheelchair users. Ski resorts worldwide have adaptive equipment for thrill seekers to show off their skills on the snow filled hills.
Having tried a few wheelchair sports incIuding; Rugby & Tennis can say that I have a great appreciation and I admire what the athletes represent and what they've accomplished.
