The sport of wheelchair basketball was invented in the early 1940’s.  As a result of the World War II, many war veterans were left with a physical disability.  Many sports were being adapted at that time so they could be used as a means for rehabilitation and therapy for these injured war veterans.  Basketball was seen as one of the most adaptable team sports and thus the sport of wheelchair basketball was born.

How the Game is Played

Wheelchair basketball is played on a standard sized basketball court.  The height of the basket, the distance to the foul line, three point line, etc. are all the same as in the game of stand up basketball. 

The rules of wheelchair basketball are similar to those of stand up basketball rules.  The rules that are unique to wheelchair basketball are the following:

-          Dribbling:  If the ball is placed on the lap, a player may only take two pushes, they are then obligated to shoot, pass or dribble the ball.  There is no double dribble rule in wheelchair basketball.

-          Travelling:  A traveling violation will occur if the player takes more than two pushes while in possession of the ball without dribbling.

-          Personal Advantage Foul:  A player lifting their legs or lifting out of their chair to gain an advantage will be given a technical foul.  A player must remain firmly seated in their chair at all times.

In Canada, Wheelchair Basketball Canada governs the sport.  For more information on the sport of wheelchair basketball, visit the Wheelchair Basketball Canada website at www.wheelchairbasketball.ca .

Wheelchair Basketball Program on PEI

PEI Mustangs Wheelchair Basketball Team

The PEI Mustangs is a competitive wheelchair basketball program that is part of the Maritime Wheelchair Basketball League.  The team practices two/week throughout the months of September to April.  The team competes in 7-8 tournaments a season, both off and on Island. 

The 2009-10 begins the second week of the September with the first MWBA tournament scheduled for September 19-20, 2009. 

If you are interested in the sport of wheelchair basketball, please contact the ParaSport and Recreation office for more information or drop by one of the practices to give it try!

Mustangs Practice Schedule

Thursday:  6:00-7:30 PM at the APM Centre in Cornwall

Sunday:  8:00-10:00 AM at the gym in the Stratford Town Hall