Basketball Victoria's wheelchair basketball program is rapidly expanding, with the Diamond Valley Basketball Association (DVBA) set to launch its own wheelchair basketball program this August. This program aims to give the community the opportunity to experience and learn wheelchair basketball techniques in a safe and friendly environment.
DVBA joins other associations such as Frankston, Bacchus Marsh (Specialist Hoops), Wyndham, Western Port, Ballarat, Geelong and Wodonga, already running successful programs for their local communities. Each program offers basketball enthusiasts the chance to challenge themselves to learn a new set of skills, while also providing wheelchair athletes the opportunity to expand their skills on court in a competitive environment. While most current opportunities remain localised within the greater Melbourne area, we remain focused on bringing opportunities to more regional areas. Gippsland and Mildura, among others, are expected to see programs introduced soon.
Patrick Di Lizio, General Manager of Diamond Valley Basketball Association, expressed his excitement about the new program, stating, "We are so excited to finally bring wheelchair basketball to the north at Diamond Valley Basketball. We have a fully accessible facility and now the equipment to provide an amazing program for people with all abilities to play."
The community-based programs offered are designed to cater to various experience levels and ages of athletes. Guided by experienced wheelchair coaches, participants will learn essential skills such as chair control, ball handling, dribbling, and shooting. These programs are suitable for primary school-aged children with no basketball experience, athletes aiming to compete in wheelchair tournaments, or those looking to progress through the high-performance pathway. They offer a unique opportunity for able-bodied individuals to experience the diversity of wheelchair basketball while providing people with disabilities the chance to learn the sport with the correct equipment in an inclusive environment.
Elliott Knight, Diversity and Inclusion Officer - Wheelchair Basketball at Basketball Victoria, stated, "It's incredibly exciting to witness increasing opportunities for aspiring and current wheelchair basketball athletes. We're committed to fostering participation growth and expanding opportunities through close collaboration with our associations across Victoria."
Victoria's basketball community boasts a wide range of programs, clinics, and competitive leagues for wheelchair athletes, including two competitive leagues currently running in Kilsyth (Premier League) and Geelong United. Both leagues are fast-paced and offer a significant challenge for those wishing to participate.
Basketball Victoria also offers school-based wheelchair clinics, where the team visits schools or nearby stadiums with all the necessary equipment to host a wheelchair clinic for students.
Click here to book a clinic for your school.
Whether you are a seasoned athlete or new to wheelchair sports, there is a place for everyone in this inclusive and dynamic game. More information about wheelchair basketball can be found on our website
