National Wheelchair Basketball Association Begins
Older than the N.B.A., the National Wheelchair Basketball Association has a rich history spanning more than 60 years. It all started when disabled veterans began returning home from World War II. Veterans Administration hospitals were temporary homes for substantial numbers of young, energetic men who didn’t want to spend their days sitting around. Starting with ping-pong, catch and pool, the men graduated to more energetic sports. Soon, basketball topped their list of favorites.
The National Wheelchair Basketball Association, founded in 1948, is now not only the oldest, but also the largest wheelchair sports organization in the world. Its strategic goals include achieving and maintaining a Top 3 ranking in the world for senior and junior level play. Wheelchair basketball competition turned international in 1954, and recent years have seen powerhouse teams not only from the States, but also Israel, France and other countries.
Wheelchair Basketball Becomes More Inclusive
Originally started with a chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the first tournaments were the exclusive domain of paraplegic or spinal cord injured (SCI) veterans. However, play was soon opened up to amputees, men who had survived polio and athletes with other physical disabilities.
It was not until the 1970s that the first women’s team wheelchair basketball team was established in the United States. The all-female “Ms. Kids” from the University of Illinois built their program by competing with able-bodied opponents. By 1975, the first women’s national wheelchair basketball tournament took place in Detroit.
National Wheelchair Basketball Association National Championships
Today, the National Wheelchair Basketball Association holds a national championship tournament every spring for six divisions:
• Championship Division. Most competitive teams, may be co-ed.
• Division III. Competitive division of male and female players.
• Women’s Division. Competitive division for elite female players.
• Varsity Division. Competitive division for high school players up to 21 years old, co-ed teams.
• Junior Varsity Division. Competitive division for players from about 12 to 15 years old, based on skill level.
• Prep Division. For ages eight to 12, co-ed teams.
For more information, or to find a team near you, contact the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.
