Men's and Women's Wheelchair Basketball

Men's and Women's Wheelchair Basketball  

Home Court: 

        Activities and Recreation Center (ARC)
Admission: 
        Free with Student ID 

History*: 
        After doing research on the origins of wheelchair basketball,  I discovered wheelchair basketball was actually an uplifting event that came from unfortunate beginnings. The beginnings of wheelchair basketball will take us back to World War II. During this time, many physically and mentally injured and scarred Americans were returning home. These soldiers were among the largest group in American history to survive a bloody war because of the advances in medical and surgical fields. With so many veterans being placed in hospitals all over the country, they were looking for any outlet that would allow them normalcy in their new way of life. Sports was the answer. Doctors encouraged wounded veterans to participate in Wheelchair athletics to relieve stress, vent their anger and to stay physically fit. This is when wheelchair basketball exploded. 
        It can be argued that the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is credited for being the founding institution for a disabled person to earn a degree and participate in athletics. After WWII, many wounded veterans were encouraged to enroll in the University's undergraduate division in Galesburg, Illinois. The University acquired 156 acres with 117 brick buildings, many one-story, that were accessed and connected by ramps and corridors which made the campus very disabled-friendly.
        Records show that the University of Illinois was the the first to offer wheelchair basketball as a collegiate sport. During the beginning of the program, Timothy Nugent let the Gizz Kids, as they were called, to win the first ever National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Championship in 1949. From then on, Wheelchair athletics were on the map all over the country. 

 Still not convinced to attend a game?
        Wheelchair basketball is a unique experience that I recommend everyone to attend during their time at University of Illinois. The tremendous athletes that participate in wheelchair basketball are continuing a legendary game that began at the University of Illinois. Think of all of the energy and skill needed to control the body, block a shot, play defense, shoot a free throw, post up, shoot a 3-pointer or pull up for a 2-point shot from the wing in Division 1 Basketball.  Now imagine doing all of this while in a wheelchair. The strength needed in your upper body is such an important element to this marvelous game of wheelchair basketball. This sport is a must see before you graduate!

Comments:
        If you have ever participated or viewed a wheelchair basketball game, what was your experience like? If you had a tragedy in your life, would look to sports as an outlet for healing? 


Leisure Rules! 

Women's Wheelchair Basketball Team @ Illinois Classic Wheelchair Basketball Tournament

Men's Wheelchair Basketball Team @ International Invitational Tournament

For a list of upcoming Wheelchair events or additional information,  please visit the DRES website: 
http://disability.illinois.edu/athletics


* Thank you to Ashley Mogged for her insight to the history of wheelchair athletics. 
http://www.ideals.illinois.edu/handle/2142/1867