Fantastic day of wheelchair basketball league action in Derry

What an amazing occasion for sport and the local wheelchair basketball fraternity!

On Saturday, teams from across the North descended on Shantallow Community Centre in the city for an exciting day of wheelchair basketball league action.

IN PICTURES: Derry's North West Wolves host exciting day of wheelchair basketball league

Photos: George Sweeney (nwpresspics)

Derry team North West Wolves was joined by Knights (Belfast), Lakers (Craigavon), Bulls (Bangor), Giants (Coleraine) and Storm (Five Mile Town).

Speaking to Derry Now before the event, wheelchair basketball aficionado and NW Wolves’ secretary, Ciara McChrystal, said she was looking forward “excitedly” to the event.

Ciara, who was 22 when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease of the central nervous system, has been playing wheelchair basketball for a couple of years.

However, the modest sportswoman said the focus on Saturday was the sporting prowess of all those participating.

She added: “I really, really loved wheelchair basketball as soon as I started playing it. However, as for any disabled sport, the equipment for wheelchair basketball is highly expensive. That’s why I decided to reach out to people and see if they would help give me the chance to be able to play it.”

Happily, between an online fundraiser and her own contribution, Ciara was able to take delivery of her bespoke, match-ready wheelchair on January 12. She flew to Newcastle in England to collect it.

“It is like any sport, if you need special trainers, for example, to take part in a new sport, you have to buy them new.

“It just so happens, the wheelchair basketball version of new trainers is a lot more expensive,” Ciara smiled.

“So far it is still very early days but I absolutely love the new chair. Saturday will be my first game in it, so no doubt I’ll get a few scrapes and bumps in it.

“Saturday is the NI wheelchair basketball league. There are seven teams in Northern Ireland and once a month, we will meet up and play in the League. Each team takes it in turn to host a day.

“On Saturday, there will probably be the guts of 70 of us in Shantallow Community Centre. Not everyone who plays wheelchair basketball is a permanent wheelchair user. Able-bodied people can play as well and I think that is where people don’t really twig on.

“On Saturday, we will have the big court and another waiting room area. We start at 9.00am. All of the team members and associated members will bring refreshments and the community centre will provide tea for us as well. It will be a big day for us,” said Ciara.

BC Werewolves on the attack against NW Wolves. (Photos: George Sweeney, nwpresspics)

North West Wolves trains in Shantallow Community Centre every Wednesday at 7.00pm, under the watchful eye of coaches Paul Gallagher and Samantha McColgan from Derry.

Encouraging anyone who is interested in getting involved in the sport or having a little taster session to come along, or message her on Facebook: North West Wolves Wheelchair Basketball Club or ring on: 00447925418554.

“I would also very much like to acknowledge the tremendous support we have received from Disability Sport NI and Shantallow Community Centre,” said Ciara.

The sportswoman said she would also like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to my wheelchair GoFundMe. “It was so much appreciated,” she added.