What is Wheelchair Basketball?

Wheelchair Basketball is a sport that was first played following the Second World War in 1945. After the war, many veterans who were now disabled wanted to continue to be active and play sports. The first documented game was played on November 25th, 1946 by a group of veterans in the United States.

Wheelchair Basketball is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, competitive sport which retains most major rules and scoring of able-bodied basketball. The exceptions are rules which have been modified with consideration for the specially designed sports wheelchair.

Games

The Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association is the governing body for Wheelchair Basketball in Ontario. They will establish our schedule for our competitive teams.

All home games are held at St. Augustine Secondary School, in Brampton.

Away games are held in different cities in Ontario and can involve two to three hours of travel. Teams usually play two games on each day the games are scheduled.

Tournaments

Cruisers usually host The Blazing Hoops tournament in February. A tournament for Division 3 is typically held in St. Catharines in the month of March. The Division 2 team usually attends the Canadian Wheelchair Basketball National Championship. This tournament can be held anywhere in Canada and the host location changes from one year to the next.

Length of Season

Wheelchair Basketball is played from September thru to May.

Equipment

All players are required to wear proper gym attire, which includes a t-shirt, track pants or shorts and running shoes. A sports wheelchair will be provided for registered athletes to use.