By Amber Griffin
PCYC NSW is an inclusive youth charity dedicated to ensuring every young person can access our life-changing programs and has every opportunity to participate in sport and recreation activities regardless of where they come from or their ability.
Wheelchair basketball is currently run at several PCYC Clubs, including Wellington and Dubbo in the Central West, and it’s taking the courts by storm. PCYC Wellington Senior Activities Officer, Zoe Morgan said it’s open to all abilities. “And once players are in a wheelchair, everyone is on the same level, there’s no advantages to not having a disability – there’s something special about that inclusion, everybody leaves with a smile on their face,” Ms Morgan said.
Zoe’s nine-year-old son Jay lives with a disability that impacts the mobility of his lower body. She recently brought the sport to Wellington in the hope that Jay would be able to participate again, and the positive impact has warmed hearts across the community.
Jay loves the sport. “I love playing and crashing into people – I can sit down and use my arms instead, so I don’t have to miss out on sport,” Jay said. Zoe noted that Jay would usually have to step aside and sit out at a certain point in regular sports. “Since coming to PCYC, that’s no longer an issue – it also helps other young people understand what using a wheelchair is like,” she said.
As demand grows, what is currently ‘Learn to Play’ will soon be branched out into official competitions at PCYC’s Dubbo Sports World – and an expansion to other sports too. “The dream is to offer wheelchair rugby league, and wheelchair soccer,” Zoe said. “It’s a work in progress sourcing the funding, but one that will benefit many people. It’s life-changing inclusivity.”
Wheelchair basketball is also offered at other PCYC Clubs in partnership with Wheelchair Sports NSW. CEO, Mick Garnett said the sport was at all-time record participation levels. “PCYC Clubs are playing a big role in that growth. As we look to continue this record growth in wheelchair basketball leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games, our partnership with PCYC will be crucial, particularly across regional New South Wales.”
PCYC NSW encourages people from all walks of life to get involved in the activities on offer at the Wellington Club – More Than A Club, A Place You Belong.