Back in April, I ran across an article from the Louisville newspaper about the National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s national championship.
It was no surprise to me, remembering the days of the Magic Wheels that many of these teams were sponsored by NBA teams, many wearing NBA jerseys.
The Mavericks and the Knicks were in the finals in that competition in April. The Magic Wheels were in the semifinals. There were several other members of the NBA and WNBA family with jerseys represented at the event.
If you have never seen wheelchair basketball, it is quite an athletic endeavor. It is really difficult. And really important.
After seeing this article, I immediately went to learn more about the Magic Wheels for Orlando Magic Daily and what this sport means to those who participate in it. The true power of basketball and for sports in general is seen through the eyes of those who are unable to walk and play normally.
“One, it’s very difficult for disabled people to find exercise,” Orlando Magic Wheels coach Joyce Prakke said. “You stay strong, you get cardio. I really like the physical condition I was in as an athlete when I had two legs. Secondly, the culture. We’re all disabled. All these people, we’ve all accepted our disability. You can’t play this sport if you haven’t accepted your disability.
“It’s a different kind of life, but it’s a good life. The chair is just a thing.”
Prakke said she has seen newly injured people find empowerment in playing this sport and interacting with other injured and disabled players.
She shared a story with me of a young girl who joined the women’s team after a car accident and finding self-confidence and independence again from playing the sport. There are countless other stories like that across the landscape of wheelchair basketball and within the Magic Wheels organization itself.
“You get to see these newly injured people and how they get their confidence back,” Prakke said. “The only difference between me and an able-bodied person is it will take me a little longer to do things.”
Sometimes basketball means a lot more than just a game. It can be an escape and can be a return to normalcy. Or just a reaffirmation that you can still do the thing you love.
