Wheelchair basketball at the 2011 Paralympic World Cup

Paralympic World Cup win for wheelchair basketball

GB's wheelchair basketball teams gained brilliant wins on day two of the BT Paralympic World Cup to stay in on track for gold medals. It was all go on court as the men's team bounced back from Monday's defeat by France to thrash the Brazilians 76-43. The women's team made their second win beating Germany by 58-53, a first for the womens team and puts them top of the group with just one round-robin match left against Japan in a few days time.


We saw some of the womens game on a satellite channel and were mightily impressed by the way in which the wheelchairs were almost part of the players. Their movements and dexterity were fluid and a joy to watch. I know these are specialist lightweight wheelchairs but the speed with which they turn and dart off is incredible. If you get the change to watch any of the wheelchair basketball please do as I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as we did.

The initial game of the women’s wheelchair basketball team was a stunning victory over a tough Canadian side on the very first day of the BT 2011 Paralympic World Cup in Manchester. The score was enriched by some superb long range shooting from unbelievable distance and with great accuracy. This came as great news for the womens team as it has been a couple of years since they had a win.

Helen Freeman who dominated the game said after the match 'We are a young team and most of us are preparing for the Junior World Championships coming up.’ They seem to have the balance of youthful energy and skill absolutely right at the moment without a doubt. We wish both wheelchair basketball teams the best of luck in the remainder of the tournament.

Last Updated: May 25, 2011