The Questions

Q    Who invented wheelchair basketball?

A    Wheelchair Basketball was created in 1946 by
    American Basketball players injured as servicemen
    during World War Two. It quickly became popular
    and is now played in 75 countries worldwide.

Q    When did it start in this country?

A    It was introduced to Britain in 1955 and is now played
    by clubs up and down the country, at local, national
    and international level.

Q    Who can play wheelchair basketball?

A    Wheelchair Basketball is a unique sport in that it
    allows male and female players, whether disabled or
    able-bodied to all play in the same team.

Q    How can teams be equally matched?

A    A system is used where each player is given a points
    classification dependent upon their level of disability
    and where the five players on court from each team
    cannot exceed 15 points. As with any sport, it is then
    the players individual and team skills that will
    determine who wins the game.

Did you know?

1    Wheelchair Basketball uses the same size court and
    basket heights as in the running game. Which, do
    you think, takes more skill, practice and dedication to
    score a basket?

2    Wheelchair Basketball is a fast, exciting sport to
    watch, full of action, drama, strategy and plenty of
    baskets to keep spectators on the edge of their
    seats.

3    Using specially designed wheelchairs with cambered
    wheels, (costing in the region of £2,500 each),
    players are able to move and turn the chairs very
    quickly.

4    Leicester Cobras is a registered charity and as such
    relies heavily on sponsorship to enable the club to
    provide the opportunity and support that encourages
    people with disabilities to play and enjoy wheelchair
    basketball. Can you or someone you know help fund
    some of our costs?

5    There are many ways you can get involved with the
    Leicester Cobras - from becoming a player or just
    having a go at the sport at one of our training
    sessions, volunteering to help behind the scenes or
    just coming to support the team at one of our home
    matches. Once you have been to just one game you
    will probably be hooked. Wheelchair basketball is
    action packed excitement all the way!