WheelKings move base to Ryde
Story and photo of Liesl Tesch by Noel Rowsell, reproduced from the Northern District Times, 16 April
The Wenty Leagues WheelKings have changed venues for this year's National Wheelchair Basketball League competition, moving from the Hills District to the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre.
The new home was selected for its central location, and its close proximity to Wheelchair Sports NSW and the Royal Ryde Rehabilitation Centre. It is also the major venue for the Ryde Bulls Basketball Association with which the WheelKings hope to build a basketball development and promotional program.
The WheelKings aren't the only team representing NSW in the national competition - they are joined by the West Sydney Razorbacks and the Wollongong Roller Hawks. Nationally, there is a team from Victoria (Dandenong Rangers), one from Queensland (Brisbane Spinning Bullets), one from South Australia (Adelaide Thunder) and one from Western Australia (Perth Wheelcats).The competition is unique in its format in Australia, with the leading female players in this country, many of whom are either Paralympians or Australian Internationals, playing alongside Australia's leading male players. Wheelchair basketball players exhibit amazing dexterity, skill and speed during games, even though confined to a (albeit state of the art) sports wheelchair.
The season tips off for the Wheelkings at home 7pm on May 24, with the opening game of the season a local derby against the West Sydney Razorbacks at the RALC.
Spectators are admitted free and it is hoped the Wheelkings will attract a strong following in the local area.
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