GRIZZLIES TEAM INFORMATION

ADAPTIVE SPORTS IOWA IS THE PROUD ORGANIZER OF GRIZZLIES WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL 

PROGRAM DETAILS

Youth wheelchair basketball is basketball adapted for those with physical disabilities. Below is the information for the Grizzlies Youth Wheelchair Basketball team. Click here for information on the Grizzlies Invitational Presented by GreenState Credit Union, a youth wheelchair basketball tournament hosted by Adaptive Sports Iowa.

WHO?

A person must have a permanent lower extremity disability that precludes them from playing competitive stand-up basketball. Wheelchair basketball is intended for a wide range of disabilities including, but not limited to, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, lower-extremity amputation, cerebral palsy, and permanent joint disorders. It is NOT required that the participant uses a wheelchair for everyday mobility. There are many ambulatory (walking) participants that participate in wheelchair basketball. Practices are open to all skill levels.

WHEN & WHERE?

Late August – March

Weekly Practice Schedule:

Tiffin Elementary (Noon-3:00 pm)

• 8/27, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24 – No practice 9/3 for Labor Day holiday

Vinton Elementary (1:00-4:00 pm)

• 10/1, 10/8, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12

Mary Welsh Elementary (Williamsburg) (Noon-3:00 pm)

• 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17 – No practice 11/26 (Thanksgiving), 12/24 (Christmas), 12/31 (New Year’s Eve)

Vinton Elementary (1:00-4:00 pm)

• 1/7, 1/14, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11

Mid-Prairie Middle School (Noon-3:00 pm)

• 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25

There is no participation fee for participants to practice. Fees do apply to varsity players participating in tournaments.

Adaptive Sports Iowa provides sport-wheelchairs to all participants. Participants can also bring their own.

HOW?

Join the Grizzlies Wheelchair Basketball Facebook page for details or contact the director of Adaptive Sports Iowa, Hannah Bowman, at hannah.bowman@adaptivesportsiowa.org.

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL INFORMATION AND RULES

Wheelchair basketball is a sport that has grown immensely in the United States and around the world. Many countries have leagues and national Paralympic teams.

Rules
Wheelchair basketball adapts the majority of its rules from the official NCAA basketball rule book. Modifications are made for dribbling. For example, “traveling” in wheelchair basketball occurs when the athlete touches their wheels more than twice after receiving or dribbling the ball. The majority of the aspects of the game of basketball are retained such as a 10-foot basketball hoop and standard basketball court size.

Wheelchair design
Basketball wheelchairs, also known as sports chairs, are specifically designed wheelchairs for activity. Basketball chairs have wheels that are angled outward so that the center of gravity has to move a greater distance before it tips the chair making it much safer for play. The chairs are also designed with tip bars making it difficult to tip backward, an adjustable lap belt to better secure the user to the chair, and a footplate with a guard to increase physical safety.

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC OUTCOMES:

• Social connections with peers on your team from across the state
• Opportunity to meet youth and adult players across the country by attending regional and national tournaments
• Building healthy character skills through competition
• Increased upper body strength
• Improved core control and stability
• Improved cardiovascular endurance and overall health
• Maintain healthy weight
• Reduced stress and anxiety through increased endorphins
• Improved sleep quality
• Improved alertness, concentration, and overall cognitive function
• Increased sense of independence