Wheelchair Basketball bridges understanding gap

During Week 5 this term, students from Years 8 to 12 were honoured to receive a visit from Paralympian Amber Merritt and ReboundWA's Wheel LIFE program. With the support of the City of Bayswater's Better Bayswater grant, the College was able to have Amber and ReboundWA visit for a 2-day period.

With the Wheel LIFE Program ReboundWA is bringing the experience of having a physical disability and still participating in sports to more able-bodied people so they can have a better understanding of what it is like to live with a physical disability and to promote inclusion within the community. Amber explained to students that having a disability is very isolating and many people don't understand what you are going through. Having the ability to play sports is a way that allows people to come together, build confidence and celebrate their differences. Participating in sports such as wheelchair basketball can be expensive as the chairs can cost from $5,000-$35,000 per chair but through ReboundWA people with a disability can hire chairs to experience the sport before they commit to purchasing.

After the Wheel LIFE sessions students came away with a sense of empathy and feelings of understanding as to what it is like to be in a wheelchair. Their engagement with Amber was strong and, though hard, thought wheelchair basketball was an enjoyable and rewarding exercise.

The College would like to thank ReboundWA and Amber Merritt for this fantastic experience and wish Amber all the best as she prepares for the Tokyo Paralympics in less than a year.

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