Wheelchair basketball players, students, and faculty of all different ages, skill sets, and affiliations teamed up with Bridge II Sports for its annual William Christy Wheelchair Basketball Game, held at William Peace University’s Hermann Athletic Center on Aug. 23.
“This event allowed players of a local wheelchair basketball team, WPU staff, students, to play basketball in teams while sitting in wheelchairs that were provided by Bridge II Sports,” said Jamaal Stokes, WPU’s Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach.
The push to bring wheelchair basketball to WPU launched by William Christy, WPU alum and Bridge II athlete. Christy fell in love with the sport as much for the culture around it. The support he found in that community would prove to be life-changing.
He believes that passion and excitement for the game should be accessible to more than just non-disabled individuals.
“Having a disability should not keep you from doing the things you love,” stated Christy in an interview with The Peace Times prior to the event.
Christy sought to bring awareness to promote inclusivity by educating the WPU community about disabilities and adaptive sports programming, enlisting the aid of the university and the non-profit organization. The organizers took charge of building a roster of students, faculty players, coaches. The university had its inaugural game in 2015. From there, his passion had evolved into a university tradition.
The event brought in a large turnout of students and members of the community for an hour and a half exhibition. Both of the mixed ability teams were well represented.
“This is my first time attending the student/faculty wheelchair game,” WPU junior Stephanie Romeo-Reyes said. “This provides an opportunity to understand what those with disabilities experience daily.”
Roger Christman, WPU communication department chair reflected on the impact the event has had over the years.
“It is a unique opportunity that does much good,” said Christman. “It is something our university and community should be proud of.”