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Our Sport
Wheelchair Basketball is an extremely inclusive sport. It was designed for physically impaired people with lower-limb impairments but can be played by both disabled and non-disabled people. The game is played on standard sized basketball courts with identical hoop heights which allows wheelchair basketball teams to access the same facilities as those who play the 'running game'.
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Sports wheelchairs are used by every player on court, whether you are a full time wheelchair user, occasional wheelchair user, ambulant or non-disabled with absolutely no physical impairment at all. This reverse integration approach enables wheelchair basketball clubs to level the playing field in some respects, often seeing full time wheelchair users transfer their chair skills to the court quicker than others who have never used a wheelchair before.
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The sports wheelchairs are very different to conventional wheelchairs that are designed for day to day use. They have a rigid box frame with wheels set on a camber unlike standard wheelchairs. Often constructed from light-weight materials like aluminium or titanium with back rests designed to support the individual player whilst giving the maximum mobility. The front end bumper systems mean chairs don't become hooked during play and glide off each other protecting the individuals legs, if there is contact, and the one or two rear anti-tip and additional caster wheels give the individual greater security, reducing the risk of players falling out of their chairs. Depending on the level of function the individual has, they will use sports chairs based on their needs - this may include maximum height chairs for minimally impaired players who have good core control or chairs with bucket seats and higher back rests for those with limited or no function beyond a certain point.
The sport is played both competitively and recreationally. It can be a fast-paced, skilful and very tactical with players required to show speed, agility and athleticism or an opportunity for people to become active again after illness or injury, either way it is a great opportunity to be part of a team and socialise.
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A classification system is used within organised, competitive fixtures and performance pathways however as long as you can manually propel a sports wheelchair and play safely then there is the opportunity to get involved at our club. Players are given a points classification based on their level of function in the sports chair. These points are based on the individuals functional ability focusing on their trunk control, sitting balance and their capability to push, pass, pivot and shoot.
Points can range on a sliding scale between 1.0 to 5.0 with the lower the number the more significant the loss of function. Classification points are given based on the volume of action they have when in their sports chair and not their medical condition or impairment, this means that players can develop their sporting potential without being disadvantaged by any limitations they may have due to their impairment. During organised, competitive games coaches are only permitted to put so many classification points on court with these spread across their five players. Only 14.0 points are allowed on court at any one time in elite competitions such as the Paralympic Games and IWBF World Championships however other competitive leagues may increase the amount of points a team can play to within National Leagues and local competitions.
Our Objectives
As a club, our objectives are simple; to provide an inclusive environment where people can improve their health and well-being through physical activity and sport.
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We believe that people achieve the most when they are happy doing what they enjoy. Our club enables those who may find it difficult to engage in many other activities to focus on what they can do, as opposed to what they can't do. We strongly believe that wheelchair based physical activity can significantly improve confidence, fitness and overall health and we are proud to have already helped a number of our members achieve this.
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Our pathways are built around participation AND performance, not participation FOR performance. At Conwy Thunder, members have the opportunity to reach their potential, whatever that may be. So if you want to get involved in a community club that can deliver real impact then please get in touch.
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We understand that it can be daunting when you first attend a new club especially if you have a newly acquired impairment however we will do our utmost to make you feel at ease and reduce any anxiety around taking part in a new activity. We welcome people with a wide range of ability and function but due to the nature of our club we will make additional effort to engage and support disabled people with lower-limb impairments.
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"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great."
- Zig Ziglar
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