Memphis Rolling Grizzlies

Our Neurological Aspects of Occupational Performance class had the opportunity to attend a Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies practice, and it was so impressive! I admire so much the dedication and intensity that the players had throughout their scrimmage. Occasionally, a player would get tipped or rolled over in their wheelchair and it was amazing how they could use their upper body strength (sometimes along with the support of other players) to get right back up. The players explained that you need to be a part of the chair for your safety and that you can really feel the difference when you're in a chair that was made for you vs someone else. I learned that the chairs designed for wheelchair basketball range from $3,000-$5,000 and they are not covered by insurance.

During this experience, I learned the most by talking to the coach and asking endless questions. When I asked if the players injure their fingers regularly, he explained that most of the players grab the whole wheel of their chair rather than just the rim which I had not noticed until he pointed it out. They do this because it's easier and there's less risk of getting your fingers caught. The coach also said that he doesn't turn anyone away who comes and shows interest. People are often intimidated when they come which is completely understandable because I was!

Something I was the most surprised by was one player who walked in and strapped himself into a wheelchair. I was confused because I thought it must definitely be an unfair advantage to have the use of your legs (even if they are strapped into the wheelchair, they are helpful in balance etc.). The coach explained to us that the man who walked in has a condition in which his spine is "squishy" so he is not able to play regular basketball because the jumping would do damage to his spine. Anyone who is unable to participate in regular basketball is allowed to play wheelchair basketball. The man who walked in told a classmate of mine that he plays a really interesting roll on the team because when they travel he is able to help his teammates with their equipment and transfers.

At the end of the team's scrimmage, we had the chance to get into the player's wheelchairs and shoot some hoops. As you can imagine, it is much harder to shoot a basketball sitting down than it is standing up. Overall, it was a really enjoyable experience witnessing the Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies in action! I learned a lot and will definitely take this new knowledge with me into the field.

Image retrieved from: http://www.rollingrizzlies.org/news/