NASA hosts first Winter Wheelchair Basketball event

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Northern Adapted Sports Association (NASA) will tip off its first Wheelchair Basketball event of the winter season on Thursday in Fort St. John.

According to its website, NASA, a part of Engage Sport North, was founded to “fill the gap” in communities by providing challenged athletes with a chance to engage with others through sport.

The group hosts various sporting events throughout the year, including wheelchair rugby, sled hockey, and wheelchair tennis, for both able-bodied and physically challenged athletes to participate.

A Facebook post dated October 30th says residents with no plans should “do something different” for Halloween and come learn the game.

Wheelchair basketball was first played in the 1940s among disabled American servicemen as a means of rehabilitation and socializing among the veterans.

The sport’s governing body, the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation, estimates that 100,000 people participate in wheelchair basketball annually, and the number “increases every year.”

Games will be held at Ma Murray Community School, located at 11504 105th Avenue in Fort St. John, throughout the winter, from October 31st until February 6th.  

Tip-off is at 5:15 p.m., and for the candy lovers, “there will be plenty” on hand, according to the post.

Participation for both disabled and able-bodied athletes is free, and equipment will be provided.

More information about NASA is available through its Facebook page and website.