Wheelchair Basketball

Wheelchair basketball is hailed as the fastest growing sport for athletes with a disability. It is played in over 80 countries and the Australian senior men's team, the Rollers, are preparing for the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

by Physical Education teacher, Ms Allen

This Term our Stage 2 Physical Education and Community Studies B Physical Education classes have had the opportunity to participate in three wheelchair basketball sessions with the Darwin Basketball Association. Both classes were incredibly lucky to have two current members of the Australian senior men's Wheelchair Basketball team, Tom O'Neill-Thorne and C.J. McCarthy-Grogan, help with their development and understanding of the game. 

Tom and C.J. were also kind enough to answer questions the students had about what life is like living with a disability. The Stage 2 Physical Education students used this experience to investigate their own barriers and enablers that impacted their participation in wheelchair basketball. The Stage 2 Community Studies B Physical Education students used the experience to select fantasy teams using the statistics they collected. All students enjoyed the experience and undoubtedly were grateful for the opportunity to learn from two of the best in our country!

The Australian men’s Wheelchair Basketball team’s last Paralympics medal was at the 2012 London Games when they claimed silver. The team went on to secure a bronze medal at the 2018 Wheelchair Basketball World Cup. Darwin High School wishes Tom and C.J. and the rest of the Australian team all the best with their Paralympic campaign later this year.