Wheelchair basketball Paralympic
The Wheelchair Basketball event at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris is scheduled to take place from August 29 to September 8, 2024, at the Bercy Arena. Here’s what you need to know:
- Teams and Qualification: Both men’s and women’s tournaments will feature eight teams each, a reduction from previous Games. Qualification for these teams involved various championships and a repechage tournament. For instance, teams like Great Britain, Spain, the United States, Australia, China, Canada, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands have secured spots through different qualifying events.
- Gameplay and Highlights:
- USA Men’s Team: They started their campaign with a victory over Spain, winning 66-56. Jake Williams was a standout, scoring 22 points. This win sets them up for the group stage, with their next match against the Netherlands.
- Great Britain: They also had a successful start, defeating Germany in their opening game, indicating strong performance from the bronze medalists of the Tokyo Paralympics.
- Canada: The Canadian women’s team showed promise by leading against China into the fourth quarter, aiming to secure a win in their opening game.
- Cultural Impact and Media Coverage: The event has captured attention beyond the sport itself. A Google Doodle celebrated wheelchair basketball, highlighting its significance. Media coverage includes detailed game analyses and stories about players, like those from Regina, Canada, showcasing the personal and team aspirations at the Paralympics.
- Broadcast and Streaming: For viewers, the games are being broadcast across NBC networks, with streaming available on platforms like Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, and the official Paralympic YouTube channel, ensuring global access to watch these athletic feats.
This event not only showcases high-level athletic competition but also underscores the growth and global appeal of wheelchair basketball, with over 100 countries now participating in the sport.
