Start Date
16-6-2025 10:00 AM
End Date
16-6-2025 11:30 AM
Abstract
Introduction
Wheelchair basketball has been examined from a variety of perspectives, from performance and physiological-based studies (e.g., Soylu et al., 2021) to phenomenological and reverse integration-focused studies (e.g., Evans et al., 2015). Less is known about the lived experiences of wheelchair basketball players. The purpose of this study was to explore adult wheelchair basketball players’ experiences starting and participating in the sport.
Methodology
These findings are part of a larger dataset collected at the 2024 U.S. National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s national adult tournament. Data was collected using individual and focus group interviews and thematically analysed to explore athletes’ experiences in wheelchair basketball.
Results
Data were collected from 10 participants representing four different teams (and three U.S. regions). Analysis is still in progress, however initial findings highlight participants’ long, difficult journeys to wheelchair basketball, particularly for those who acquired their disability later in life. Over time, however, basketball has become an integral part of their lives and a place where they feel belonging and value as part of a team.
Conclusions
Initial findings from this study have emphasized the complex journey to wheelchair sports that some participants with acquire disabilities have experienced, while also underscoring the subjective value wheelchair basketball participation can have in athletes’ lives.
Recommended Citation
Holland, Steven K.; Holland, Katherine; and McKay, Cathy, "“I didn’t think I qualified”: Adult wheelchair basketball players’ journey to and experience in the sport." (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 5.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day1/5
“I didn’t think I qualified”: Adult wheelchair basketball players’ journey to and experience in the sport.
Introduction
Wheelchair basketball has been examined from a variety of perspectives, from performance and physiological-based studies (e.g., Soylu et al., 2021) to phenomenological and reverse integration-focused studies (e.g., Evans et al., 2015). Less is known about the lived experiences of wheelchair basketball players. The purpose of this study was to explore adult wheelchair basketball players’ experiences starting and participating in the sport.
Methodology
These findings are part of a larger dataset collected at the 2024 U.S. National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s national adult tournament. Data was collected using individual and focus group interviews and thematically analysed to explore athletes’ experiences in wheelchair basketball.
Results
Data were collected from 10 participants representing four different teams (and three U.S. regions). Analysis is still in progress, however initial findings highlight participants’ long, difficult journeys to wheelchair basketball, particularly for those who acquired their disability later in life. Over time, however, basketball has become an integral part of their lives and a place where they feel belonging and value as part of a team.
Conclusions
Initial findings from this study have emphasized the complex journey to wheelchair sports that some participants with acquire disabilities have experienced, while also underscoring the subjective value wheelchair basketball participation can have in athletes’ lives.