Jason Teakle
BRANT NEWS

Shooting hoops from wheelchairs for charity was challenging for many on Saturday.

The 23rd annual North Brantford Lions and Canadian Pioneers Wheelchair Basketball Tournament drew about 200 people to the Branlyn Community Centre. The event raised $11,000 for Brantwood Residential Development Centre and Participation House, the two local agencies that organized the event.

Event organizer Patricia Freeman said 12 teams representing local organizations participated in the tournament. Participants were able-bodied individuals unaccustomed to using wheelchairs.

Freeman said the tournament is not just about raising funds for charities.

“We are raising funds, but this is a community event to raise awareness of accessibility issues,” Freeman said. “It is about putting able-bodied people in wheelchairs to understand what it’s like to be in a wheelchair.”

Maria’s Pizza team participant John Jansen said wheelchair basketball is not an easy game to play.

“It’s very hard,” Jansen said. “You are off balance. If you lean too much, you fall out of your chair and your hands take a beating.

“It encourages participation and raises awareness of what (people with physical disabilities) go through.”

Volunteer Pat Newstead has worked at the event each year since 1997.

“Because I am in a wheelchair, I understand how the money raised should be used,” Newstead said. “Some residents might need a part for their wheelchair and the parts are not cheap. Others might need voice-recognition equipment.”

Teams included the Brantford Professional Firefighters’ Association, County of Brant Fire Department Onondaga detachment, Brantford Police Service, Brant Mutual Insurance, the Branlyn Neighbourhood Association, JCI, Brantwood Centre, Participation House, Complete Custom Contracting, Maria’s Pizza, Another Round and Brant Clown Alley.

The Brantford Professional Firefighters’ Association beat Brant Clown Alley in the championship match.