Michelle Jankovic’s son Bailey asked “Can I play wheelchair basketball?” Michelle didn’t realise what impact this question was going to have.
Michelle made enquiries and soon learnt that Casey and surrounding suburbs didn’t have competition wheelchair basketball.
Bailey attended one session of Basketball Victoria’s Wheelchair Basketball Training Program at Wantirna and instantly wanted to play weekly domestic Wheelchair Basketball.
Michelle Jankovic: “My son has Cerebral Palsy effecting his legs and mobility. It has never stopped him playing domestic basketball which he has done for years. Wheelchair basketball was a natural transition, combining his passion for basketball and choosing a sport where everyone is on an even playing field.”
Michelle, founder of Helping Hand Is Here, is a passionate ambassador for people with disability. So she began investigating, how to bring Wheelchair Basketball to Casey.
Casey Basketball Association, Basketball Victoria, Cr Amanda Stapledon City of Casey and YMCA met with Michelle Jankovic on Wednesday 31st May 2017.
Everyone was excited and about discussing the importance of an all-inclusive sport everyone can play in Casey. All parties were in favour of bringing Wheelchair Basketball to Cranbourne!
Casey Basketball Association: “Casey Basketball Association is very excited about bringing Wheelchair Basketball to the City of Casey. We look forward to working with Basketball Victoria and Casey Council to offer this Paralympic sport that can be played at every level. We are actively seeking funding to purchase the wheelchairs and equipment required, and are confident that with the partnerships we have within the community, and the strong backing of the City of Casey Council, this amazing sport will be offered at Casey Stadium in the near future.”
Michelle realised the potential of Casey Basketball Associations new basketball courts and the huge growth corridor in Casey, would be the perfect home of Wheelchair Basketball.
Michelle Jankovic: “I am ecstatic that wheelchair basketball is coming to Casey! So many individuals and their families will benefit from this wonderful program.”
Wheelchair basketball has so many benefits. Played by both men and women of any age, it is an integrated sport where anyone can play. Individuals with different types of disabilities including, childhood-onset physical disabilities, spinal cord injury (SCI), secondary physical disabilities or physical impairment that is not traditionally seen as ‘disabled’ and able-bodied people can play.
Wheelchair basketball has nearly identical rules to able-bodied basketball and is played on the same court with the same hoop height. It is a team sport, perfect for people who want a social element to their fitness.
Basketball Victoria: “Basketball Victoria is excited to be partnering with Casey Basketball Association to bring wheelchair basketball to the City of Casey. The development of this program will enable Casey Basketball Association to further engage the community by providing participation opportunities for people of all abilities.
Wheelchair basketball is a sport that caters for people with differing levels of ability – ranging from childhood onset physical disabilities through to physical impairment not traditionally seen as a disability. Basketball Victoria see this program as a natural extension of the inclusion philosophy by developing and supporting people with impairment and are confident that in the not too distant future, a wheelchair basketball competition can be implemented and begin to thrive in the region”.
To register your interest contact: Casey Basketball Association, phone: (03) 5996 6033.
If you are an individual or business who would like to donate towards the purchase of wheelchairs and equipment, contact: Casey Basketball Association, phone: (03) 5996 6033.
Source: Helping Hand Is Here: www.helpinghandishere.com.au
