Paralympics 2024: Everything you need to know about wheelchair basketball paralympics
Wheelchair basketball is one of the most popular sports at the Paralympics, with over 100 countries participating.
wheelchair basketball paralympics is poised to be one of the most exciting events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. With more than 100 countries actively participating, teams like France, the USA, and Great Britain are expected to be major draws in this intense and fast-paced sport.
The origins of wheelchair basketball paralympics trace back to post-World War II rehabilitation efforts. Initially developed to help wounded soldiers cope with their injuries, the sport quickly gained popularity. According to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF), the first recorded game was played in 1945 between two hospitals in the United States.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) adds that wheelchair basketball began to take shape around 1946 in the USA, developed by injured servicemen who were former able-bodied players eager to keep playing. The simple adaptations and minor rule changes for wheelchair use allowed the sport to flourish across the United States and eventually worldwide.
Wheelchair basketball made its Paralympic debut at the 1960 Games in Rome, where it was one of eight featured sports. The United States dominated that inaugural competition, winning two gold medals and setting the tone for the sport’s growth in the years to come.
Today, wheelchair basketball paralympics has a passionate global following, and its popularity continues to soar. The atmosphere at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is expected to be electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the thrilling, action-packed matches that lie ahead.