The Hoop and The Harm

Okay, so I know that it has been a while since I have written anything, but that’s not important. What is important is that we talk about something and raise awareness about a subject that not only deserves attention, but is also amazing.

Wheel Chair basketball is a sport that may be overlooked, but hopefully after reading this will be appreciated as well as understood. Furthermore after sitting down and chatting with Noelle Colwell, an occupational therapist, it is clear to see why in life, and in general we should have little room to complain, as I learned more about the sport known as Wheel Chair basketball. 

“We practice in Southfield, Michigan,  and if anyone is interested in gathering or getting information they should check out www.michiganthunderbirds.org or call Claudia Brewer at: 248-796-4673,” said Colwell, who also stated that anyone with a physical disability can participate and play.  Still, aside from basic info, just how important is it that people know about something like wheel chair basketball? “It’s extremely important, because these kids are attending regular school classes, but they normally get waived from gym, and I feel that sports are a very important way to gain friendships and feel in touch with your fellow peers,” said Colwell. 

Also, I learned that there are three divisions: Prep, JV, and Varsity.  By now, perhaps you are wondering if this is a competitive sport or just something played for fun. “Wheel chair basketball is just as competitive as any youth sport. We follow NCAA rules, we have regional and national tournaments, and kids can earn high school letters,” said Colwell who has been a coach for nine years.  Colwell would then continue on about how they raise awareness about the sport.  “Being aware is key, we send out flyers to schools, and we have found that basketball is the most popular out of all wheel chair sports,” said Colwell who informed me that there are over 200 wheel chair basketball teams across the nation. Yet, like with any disability, there unfortunately still has to be stigma.

“Stigma is a big part of physical disabilities, but playing gives people with disabilities a chance to feel more confident, and it emotionally helps them deal with being disabled,” said Colwell, who gave me some more information about a recent commercial involving Nike, which can be found on www.youtube.com and you search for: Matt Scott. 

“All in all, this makes a world of difference for kids with disabilities, as friendships are always formed,” said Colwell, who reminded me of just how important, and how true it is that we as humans should have a good or better outlook on life as a whole. Of course, we must always remember people who sponsor these games such as: Oakland County Michigan, Parks and Recreation Department,  the Southfield, Michigan, Parks and Recreation Department, and last but not least, the Michigan Thunderbirds Organization.  As cliché as it sounds to say that attitude is everything, it truly is.  Although there are circumstances beyond our control, we must remember that with anything or any kind of disability, we can and will overcome.  By doing so, we will realize that we have no room for excuses.  Once again the information on the web is: www.michiganthunderbirds.org.

The oft unsung hero of Ben Wallace’s career, his headband, will make it’s triumphant return this season after Scott Skiles announced he will make an exception to his no headband rule for his all-star center. Immediately after the news broke, a collective high five was heard around the world. This news comes as a complete surprise to hoops fans after the headband had long been rumored to have stayed in Detroit.