Some of the Mandurah Magic’s State Basketball League men and women might have their work cut out for them when they hit the courts to take on the eight-time National Wheelchair Basketball League champion Perth Wheelcats in an exhibition match next month.
The game will be held as part of a wheelchair basketball come-and-try day at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, and will see a handful of the Magic’s SBL players put in mixed teams with Wheelcats stars and pitted against each other.
Organised by the Department of Sport and Recreation and the City of Mandurah, the day aims to highlight inclusive forms of sport to people of all abilities.
Mandurah Basketball Association president Aaron Lucas said the Magic was happy to throw it’s support behind the initiative.
“I think it’s a great way to bring all-inclusive sport into the spotlight in Mandurah, so we were really keen to get on board when we heard about the day,” he said.
“I’m not sure how our guys will go against bona fide wheelchair basketball stars like the Perth Wheelcats, but we’ll have a handful in the game it will be pretty interesting.
“Hopefully this just promotes the wheelchair form of the game in our town and shows people some of the options that are available for them to be involved in sport.”
The come-and-try day will include skill clinics and mini-games to help newcomers get acquainted with the sport.
It will also be a chance for spectators to get an up-close look at the best in business, with many Wheelcats players having won world championships and Paralympic gold medals.
To register your interest in attending the event, which kicks off on Sunday, December 3 at 3pm, email Leanne Peebles on leanne.peebles@dlgsc.wa.gov.au
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
