On the 3rd of September, Basketball Victoria’s Hoop Time program hosted a basketball clinic catered for Thomas Mackenlay, a rising star in the wheelchair basketball competition.
Working with Thomas’ primary school (Clyde Primary School), the Hoop Time program was able to extend their resources to create an inclusive event for Thomas.
As part of the event, we gave Thomas’ able-bodied peers to see him in action, whilst also giving wheelchair basketball a go themselves. This created an atmosphere of inclusivity and understanding of disabilities amongst his peers. Now being able to play with mates, Thomas showcased the elite talent he currently displays in the Frankston Wheelchair League.
Born with Spina Bifida (a birth defect affecting the development of a baby’s spine) Thomas has overcome obstacles not typical to other ten-year-old children. Despite this, Thomas’ determination and love for sport has found the young gun take wheelchair basketball by storm.
Despite his dominance on the court, Thomas never came from a basketball family, in fact it was his mum Michelle that saw a wheelchair basketball advert online and thought it would be a good idea for her son to give it a go “When Thomas became reliant on a wheelchair, he was still very interested in competitive sport but options in our community were limited. Through social media, I saw an advertisement for our local basketball association.”
Thomas has shown everyone around him just how much he loves the sport and is proving to be a talent on court and is keen to see how far he can go. Thomas has future aspirations in the sport, looking to improve his skills and compete in as many tournaments as he can. “Thomas is very keen to develop his skills, particularly in defense and has recently been learning about the rules of 3X3 games. He loves the speed of the game, the ball skills required and playing in a team. He looks forward to playing in future competitions and of course - getting more buckets!”
Running out of the Dreamstreet Lending Arena, Frankston Basketball's wheelchair program takes place each Friday evening. For others such as Thomas, Friday evenings at the arena create a positive and vibrant atmosphere for our wheelchair athletes, with his mum Michelle detailing the positive outcomes for these individuals, “Wheelchair basketball enables disabled athletes to be part of a sporting community. Emotionally, disabled athletes feel proud to be given opportunities like wheelchair basketball to be competitive, challenge themselves and be part of a team.”
Thomas has always been an avid sports fanatic but has looked for avenues to take his game to the next level.
Recently, Thomas was chosen to compete in the wheelchair 3X3 competition at the State Basketball Centre on 2nd and 3rd of November. At just 10 years old, Thomas was the youngest competitor on the day putting up a valiant effort against some of the state's best wheelchair athletes.
Michelle detailed the impact the competitive aspect of the sport has had on Thomas, as well as the feelings of a parent watching their child take the court competitively at such a young age.
“From Thomas’ perspective, he was proud to be able to play in the event. He couldn’t wait to get on the court and is looking forward to playing in even more events. He’d never played 3X3 rules before, but everyone at the event was understanding and gave him a few pointers on the day. Even a high five, or fist pump from some of the other players left him in awe! He is now very keen to get better at his game skills and watch the other players.”
“As a parent, I was nervous leading up to the 3X3 event knowing Thomas would be playing against some talented wheelchair basketball players. However, as I watched him put on his team singlet and get onto the court for his first game, my nervousness subsided when I saw the enormous smile on his face, and when he got his first basket on the day, I couldn’t have been more excited for him! I think this event has given Thomas the taste of competitive 3X3 wheelchair basketball, and now I know he just wants to do more.”
Alongside the inclusivity and understanding these programs bring to our disabled athletes, the positive impact it has on their lives are what makes these programs so important.
“You couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. From a parent's perspective, I have watched Thomas’ confidence grow due to his participation in wheelchair basketball. Previously, it has been hard for Thomas when he is unable to play competitive sports at school or on the weekends with his able-bodied peers. He was sad that his friends are “all on teams” and he is unable to play. Wheelchair basketball has allowed him to feel competitive and included, despite his physical limitations.”
Thomas’ mum also describes the community aspect these programs offer, as well as the initiative's that Basketball Victoria has to offer.
“There is such an inclusive feel in the wheelchair basketball community. We have met some amazing people through wheelchair basketball, including some new inspirations and role models for Thomas to look up to. Basketball Victoria has some great opportunities for our junior wheelchair players, with a really inclusive lens.”
These programs highlight the value inclusion represents at Basketball Victoria. By creating programs to involve all enthusiasts of our sport, people from all diverse circumstances can come together and stay connected to their love of the game.
Keen to get involved in wheelchair basketball? If you are interested in coaching or playing wheelchair basketball, please submit your expression of interest below.
