THE Coffs Harbour Stingrays have wrapped up the formal part of their season in the Wheelchair Basketball Club League, winning both Round 11 games played in Port Macquarie on 17 May.
The team of disabled and able-bodied players, of all ages, beat both the hosts the Port Macquarie Rollers, and fellow visitors the Newcastle Falcons.
Casey Hale of Port Macquarie and Allen Wilmen of the Stingrays were named the most valuable players.
Allen travels from Macksville to Coffs Harbour each week to train, and highly recommends the game.
“We usually have anywhere from eight to a dozen people turn up on a regular basis. That’s pretty good,” he told News Of The Area.
“A lot of us on the team have been playing together for years as well.”
The team travels to several other competitions and is keen to encourage new players to join them.
“Obviously we play hard, but when new people come in we like to give them a crack; give them plenty of shots and plenty of ball.
“Just encourage them to get out of their comfort zone and realise that no matter what ability you have, there’s always some enjoyment to be had.
“Nothing beats it when you see a young person get their first shot in. It just boosts their spirits so much.”
Basketball is the most popular of all wheelchair sports with players willing to screech down the court, lock wheels, or take a tumble in pursuit of a basket.
The standard ranges from grassroots participation through to elite competition.
Four-time Paralympian turned coach Gerry Hewson has been travelling throughout regional NSW to promote the five-a-side game and to provide expert advice to local talent.
“My passion is to try and develop wheelchair basketball programs throughout the regions,” he told News Of The Area.
“What we’re trying to do is to build our clubs so that we have both able bodied people play and also people with disabilities – like reverse integration.”
The region has plenty of role models to inspire future players.
Coffs Coast Paralympian Bill Latham was a standout member of the Australian Rollers at the 2024 Games in Paris, while Port Macquarie’s Ryley Batt has been described by Paralympics Australia as one of the best wheelchair rugby players in the world.
“The opportunity is there,” Gerry said.
“Firstly, for people to play and have fun; secondly, if they want to represent the region then NSW and Australia, then we’re trying to provide that pathway for them.”
Hub leader Meredith Evans says the wet weather makes it a perfect time to try an indoor sport like wheelchair basketball, although for many the key issue is transport.
“There are players on the court at the moment who cannot get here because they can’t drive, so they’re relying on support workers,” she said.
Some of those carers also play, as do family members.
The Stingrays encourage wheelchair users – and support workers – to come along to Sportz Central between 2pm and 4pm on Fridays to watch a training session.
Game chairs are supplied by Wheelchair Sport NSW/ACT and the State Government.
Volunteer bike mechanics are especially welcome.
By Sue STEPHENSON
