Wheelchair basketball takes centre stage in Bulawayo

Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

THE Bulawayo Basketball Association (BBA) is set to host a wheelchair basketball tournament at Khanyisile Sports Centre at the weekend. 

The two-day competition, which kicks off tomorrow, will attract teams from around the country.

Teams that will take to the court are BCD, Danhikwa, Golden Girls, Mountain Lions,Richwood, Victoria Falls, Wolves, and Zvishavane. 

The competition will be held under the theme, “Amplifying The Leadership Of Persons With Disabilities For An Inclusive And Sustainable Future”.

BBA secretary-general Francis Dube said preparations for the event are well on course.

“We are thrilled to be hosting this wheelchair basketball tournament, which promises to be an exciting and action-packed event. As an association, we are committed to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports. This tournament is a testament to that commitment. We believe that sports have the power to transform lives and bring people together, regardless of their abilities or disabilities,” said Dube.

Dube says the tournament is about empowerment and inclusivity.

“The theme of this year’s tournament, ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’, is particularly significant for us. We believe that persons with disabilities have a critical role to play in shaping the future of sports, and we want to provide a platform for them to showcase their talents and leadership abilities. This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about empowerment, inclusivity, and celebrating the achievements of persons with disabilities.”

Dube paid gratitude to everyone who has worked to ensure the event becomes a success.

“We are expecting a highly competitive tournament, with some of the best wheelchair basketball teams in the country taking part. We are confident that the tournament will be a huge success, and we look forward to welcoming teams and spectators from all over Zimbabwe. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the teams participating, as well as to our sponsors and partners, without whom this tournament would not have been possible,” said Dube.