Wheelchair basketball is an adaptive sport that brings together athletes (and non-athletes) of various ages, skills and abilities. Developed by injured service members following the Second World War, the sport is an opportunity to remain active. With simple rule adaptations and specialized chairs, accessible to everyone, wheelchair basketball is a great outlet for all different types of people.
And – wheelchair basketball has grown, recently making its way to 14 Wing Greenwood.
“The best thing about wheelchair basketball and other adaptive sports is exactly what it’s meant to promote: ‘adaptive sports,’” says Sergeant (retired) Chris Zizek, working at 14 Wing as the manager of the Greenwood Bowling Centre.
“No matter if you are an able-body, have an injury or you are a wheelchair user, wheelchair basketball is an excellent way to stay active – all while staying within your physical limitations.”
“I was very fortunate to be selected to represent Team Canada at the 2020 Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands (held in 2022, due to COVID-19). During my journey through the games, I was presented with many different adaptive sports, which can benefit you both mentally and physically,” Zizek says.
Following a move from British Columbia to Nova Scotia in 2022, Zizek connected with Coach Bowsey, one of the coaches for Team Canada at both the Invictus and Warrior games, and learned there was a wheelchair basketball program available in the Annapolis Valley region.
“I went and met Coach Steve Sampson from the Annapolis Valley program, tried it out and haven’t looked back.”
Now, Zizek has become instrumental in introducing a wheelchair basketball program in Greenwood. He’s helped newcomers and experienced players from the base and wider community discover how to use the equipment, learn the rules, skill sets and more. This has included an April demo/ try wheelchair basketball event and a May 30 session for 415 (Long Range Patrol Force Development) Squadron members.
“We have all sorts of different sizes and set-ups for chairs, which means we can meet almost everyone’s comfort and needs to play. So, all you need to bring is yourself and a water bottle!
“Come with an open mind and prepare to laugh a lot. Our program is about promoting the sport. We have all skill levels, from first timers to veteran players. Before you know it, you’re making baskets – and looking forward to coming back next week.”
Wheelchair basketball is “all about inclusion,” Zizek says.
“I’ve met many different folks in the region who play, including para-athletes and quite a few past Canada Games participants, but I’ve also met people who are just looking for something new to do and stay active.”
To learn more, contact the Annapolis Valley wheelchair basketball program, based in New Minas from September through April; or, contact Zizek directly.
