Rockwheelers

Summary

The Rockwheelers wheelchair basketball team in Rockhampton, Queensland, was founded in the late '90s, bringing together individuals with and without disabilities. Paul Gooda, a key team member, joined in 2010 after a chance meeting, despite having no prior group sports experience. His life had drastically changed at 19 due to a car accident, leaving him paraplegic. Through basketball, Paul found a sense of purpose and community. The sport transcends disability, fostering camaraderie and strength among both able-bodied and disabled players, offering them new opportunities and experiences in a uniquely supportive environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rockhampton, Queensland is home to over 60,000 people and the Rockwheelers, a wheelchair basketball team.
• 😀 The wheelchair basketball program in Rockhampton began in the late '90s with local participants from Emerald and Rockhampton.
• 😀 Paul Gooda joined the Rockwheelers after meeting key members of the team, including the captain, Jason Holohan, in 2010.
• 😀 Paul was initially hesitant to try wheelchair basketball but was encouraged to participate after a meeting with the team members.
• 😀 Prior to wheelchair basketball, Paul had never participated in group sports and had low self-confidence and insecurities.
• 😀 Paul's life changed drastically at age 19 after a car accident caused by a drunk driver, resulting in him becoming a paraplegic.
• 😀 After his accident, Paul was initially very sad and retreated into solitude, focusing on reading and avoiding social interaction.
• 😀 Paul’s first wheelchair basketball game inspired him to commit to the sport, and he continues playing today.
• 😀 The sport focuses on ability rather than disability, allowing both able-bodied and disabled players to participate equally.
• 😀 Daniel, an able-bodied player, enjoys wheelchair basketball more than able-bodied basketball, noting the strength and fun it provides.
• 😀 The inclusive nature of wheelchair basketball opens new perspectives and experiences for both disabled and able-bodied players.

Q & A

What is the Rockwheelers wheelchair basketball program, and how did it start?

The Rockwheelers wheelchair basketball program began in the late '90s in Central Queensland, with a few individuals from Emerald and Rockhampton wanting to explore the sport. Over time, the program gained support from volunteers and the community.

Who is Paul Gooda, and how did he become involved with the Rockwheelers?

Paul Gooda became involved with the Rockwheelers in 2010 after meeting the team's captain, Jason Holohan, and the coordinator for Sporting Wheelies, Michael Oxley. They convinced him to try wheelchair basketball, and Paul has been committed to the sport ever since.

What was Paul's life like before he joined the wheelchair basketball program?

Before joining the Rockwheelers, Paul had never participated in group sports. He was a shy, insecure individual with low self-confidence, wanting to retreat from the world into his books.

How did Paul's life change at the age of 19?

At 19, Paul was involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. The accident left him paraplegic, which drastically changed his life. He spent two weeks in a spinal unit and struggled with insecurity and low self-esteem.

What was Paul's first experience with wheelchair basketball?

Paul's first experience with wheelchair basketball was during a game where he quickly realized he enjoyed the sport and decided he would continue playing until he was physically unable to do so.

What does wheelchair basketball emphasize, according to the Rockwheelers?

Wheelchair basketball emphasizes ability rather than disability. It unites players through skill, strength, and teamwork, regardless of whether they have a disability or not.

How does Daniel, an able-bodied person, feel about wheelchair basketball?

Daniel, who is able-bodied, finds wheelchair basketball more fun than able-bodied basketball. He enjoys the extra strength and skill development it offers and loves the experience of playing the sport.

What does the program mean for the community and participants?

The wheelchair basketball program opens up new avenues for both able-bodied and disabled participants. It allows them to discover new strengths and abilities while creating a supportive community. The program offers a transformative experience for all involved.

What role did volunteers play in the Rockwheelers program?

Volunteers played an integral role in the Rockwheelers program, offering support and encouragement to the players, helping to foster a sense of community and teamwork.

How does wheelchair basketball differ from able-bodied basketball in terms of physicality and movement?

Wheelchair basketball offers a different set of movements and physical challenges compared to able-bodied basketball. Players build up more strength and can perform unique moves due to the use of wheelchairs, which adds a distinctive element to the sport.