As an exhibition for the B.LEAGUE 2023-24 SEASON Round 24 match against the Yokohama B.Corsairs held on March 3rd (Sunday), a wheelchair basketball experience session and an exhibition game were held by Kawasaki WSC, a wheelchair basketball club active in Kawasaki City. has been held.
“Kawasaki WSC” includes former Japanese national team players, and they hold various events and trial sessions to not only strengthen Japan’s wheelchair basketball, but also to enliven Kawasaki City with parasports.
With the support of Game Card Joico Holdings Co., Ltd., which is also a partner of the SDGs project “&ONE” promoted by Kawasaki Brave Thunders, we will hold a trial session and exhibition match as an opportunity to experience the charm of wheelchair basketball. We had the participation of all of our partner companies who support our activities.
Wheelchair basketball experience session
Practice experience: Struggling to operate the wheelchair and handle the ball
First, we received a lecture on the basic operation of a competition wheelchair. Competition wheelchairs are different from regular wheelchairs because they are highly maneuverable and can be moved quickly, so one participant said, “It was easier to move than I expected, and I was spinning around before I knew it.”
There is no double dribbling in wheelchair basketball so that even people who have difficulty changing their body direction due to a disability can still play. On the other hand, if you drive the tire three times while holding the ball, it becomes traveling and becomes your opponent’s ball.
Operating a wheelchair and handling a ball at the same time was more difficult than expected, and the participants seemed to be struggling with this experience for the first time. With careful guidance from the Kawasaki WSC players, he gradually got used to the controls, but while he enjoys playing wheelchair basketball, he still finds it difficult. It’s time to feel it.
Match experience: Everyone can enjoy it, regardless of age, height, or jumping ability.
Athletes from Kawasaki WSC also joined the team and took on the challenge of competing. When the goal was scored, the audience in the arena erupted in warm applause, saying, “Once you get used to it, the wheelchair moves as you want, and even people who aren’t good at running can enjoy it.It’s something anyone can do regardless of their age, height, or jumping ability.” “I thought it was a sport,” he said, showing that he was able to experience the appeal of wheelchair basketball for himself.
Exhibition game by Kawasaki WSC
The violent collision between wheelchairs is very impressive
Kawasaki WSC played a 6-minute x 2Q match against Red and White, and the venue was filled with excitement due to the fierce collisions between wheelchair players and brilliant ball control. He was surprised at the intensity that exceeded his imagination and said, “It was very impressive to see the wheelchairs colliding with each other up close.”
Kawasaki WSC Comment from Naonori Saito
Thank you for letting me participate again this year.
I think everyone who tried it out had fun at the trial session. I hope everyone was able to realize that wheelchair basketball can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of disability, gender, or age.
Thank you very much for your support during the exhibition between the players! I would be happy if I could convey the intensity and fun of wheelchair basketball.
Thank you for your continued support of Kawasaki WSC and wheelchair basketball.
After the exhibition
In wheelchair basketball, players have a score range of 1.0 to 4.5 depending on their disability, and players play in teams of five players who can score up to 14 points in total. Depending on the severity of the disability, the seat height of the wheelchair and the method of operating the wheelchair vary. It has a different charm and power than B League games, so if you have a chance, please come and watch wheelchair basketball at least once.
This was an opportunity for the participating companies to learn about the appeal and fun of this sport, which can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of disability or age, and is not just a sport for people with handicaps. Is it not? Thank you to everyone at Kawasaki WSC who took part in the wheelchair basketball experience and performance within the limited time available!
What is “KAWASAKI LIGHT UP STAGE”?
As part of the SDGs project “&ONE” that Kawasaki Brave Thunders will be promoting from the 2020-21 season, we will provide performance opportunities to people who are connected to Kawasaki, who excelled in one thing, during showtimes such as before games, and make Kawasaki a happier place to live in. The purpose of this project is to contribute to making the city a better city.
In the 2023-24 season, with the support of Game Card Joico Holdings Co., Ltd., which is also a &ONE partner, we will shine a spotlight on various talented people.
“&ONE” project
Kawasaki Brave Thunders has launched “&ONE”, a project that tackles the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through basketball, we will provide everyone with the opportunity to be healthy and have a rewarding job, and we will redouble our efforts to make Kawasaki, our home, a happier place to live.
Click here for the “&ONE~KAWASAKI BRAVE THUNDERS SDGs CHALLENGE~” special page
Sponsorship
Game Card Joico Holdings Co., Ltd.
▶Game Card Joico Holdings Co., Ltd. Home Page
2024-03-17 03:01:12
#KAWASAKI #LIGHT #STAGE #Supported #GJHD #season #installment #Wheelchair #basketball #experience #session #exhibition #game #wheelchair #basketball #club #Kawasaki #WSC
