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Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies




                                         

      I recently had the opportunity to go with my class to watch the Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies at one of their practices.  Before starting occupational therapy school, I had not heard much about wheelchair basketball and had never had the opportunity to watch a team play before.  Watching the Rollin' Grizzlies practice was amazing, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to watch this team in action.

    The Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies are a Division 1 team and Memphis' first nationally ranked wheelchair basketball team.  The rules of wheelchair basketball are much like regular basketball with a few modifications.  I was in awe of all the factors that go into playing wheelchair basketball.  Not only are they playing the game, but they are also controlling their wheelchair's speed and direction while maneuvering around other chairs and following the rules of the game.  It looks to take a lot of skill to play wheelchair basketball, as well as upper body strength.  It is very inspiring to watch them play the game and to see the comradely that exists between the teammates.

     There were a couple of things that surprised me when watching this team play.  First, I had the misconception that everyone playing on a wheelchair basketball team would use a wheelchair all the time (or a walker).  However, some of the players did not require either.  They had conditions that would make playing basketball on a regular team health compromising in some way.  I think it is important for people to know that there is a range of people playing wheelchair basketball, all with different conditions/injuries.  All are playing for different reasons, but the one thing that connects the whole team is their love for the sport, which shines through when watching them play.  I also did not realize how intense wheelchair basketball can get.  The player's chairs often hit and some players fell down in their chairs.  It is amazing how they play with all their chairs so close in proximity.  The intense, competitive nature of their game proves that it is not all that different than regular basketball.

     I am so glad I got the opportunity to watch the Rollin' Grizzlies and that I know more about wheelchair basketball.  I think it is a great resource to know about and one that I might be able to pass along to a client who would benefit from participating in wheelchair basketball.  I hope to get to see the Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies again in the future!

To learn more about the Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies, check out their website at http://www.rollingrizzlies.org  and Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/RollinGrizzlies/ 

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