BASKETBALL MAKES A WELCOME RETURN AFTER SUMMER BREAK

After the summer break the Swindon Kings Wheelchair Basketball Club are once again back to training. The Club meets at the Dorcan Recreation Complex on Mondays from 5.30pm – 7.00 pm and costs £2.50 per week. Newcomers are welcome and playing experience is not necessary.

In January 2001 the Swindon Kings Wheelchair Basketball Club was set up under the guidance and direction of the Sports Development team.

Wheelchair basketball is a fun, fast, exciting and skilful sport. It is played to the same rules as basketball (with a few simple adaptations), with the same ball, on the same size court and with baskets at the same height as running basketball.

Wheelchair basketball can be played by anyone, male or female, with a lower limb disability. People play it from practically all of the physical disability groups, such as those with a spinal cord injury, polio, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or amputees. Able-bodied players are also able to play within the Wheelchair Basketball league. The league has a classification system, which can accommodate all abilities

The Club has received two Lottery Awards from the Awards for all programme to purchase some purpose built wheelchairs, pay for facility hire and coaching which has set them on their way. They have also received grants from GWR and the Co-op dividend fund and sponsorship from Nationwide. During the summer of 2001 the outdoor basketball courts at Dorcan Recreation Complex were resurfaced with Lottery grant and partnership funding from Swindon Borough Council.

Although the Club has been successful in raising funds they need to recruit new players in order to ensure it's long-term sustainability. So if you are interested in finding out more about the game or to have ago then come along to Dorcan Sports Complex on Monday nights.

The Club also needs officials and administrators.