There are many sports that can be played even in a wheelchair!

Hello. My name is Yoshida, and I'm 33 years old (female).

This time, I'd like to write about my husband's wheelchair basketball, as a continuation of my previous post.

My husband became interested in wheelchair basketball when a fellow rehabilitation patient at the hospital recommended "wheelchair rugby," a form of rugby played in wheelchairs. Although he had always liked sports, he had never played any ball games. However, after trying rugby, he found it more enjoyable than he expected and began regularly attending practices.

As he gradually regained his cheerfulness, he had the opportunity to watch a basketball game played by able-bodied athletes. At that time, my husband remarked that "the rules are similar to wheelchair rugby," and he gradually expressed an interest in trying wheelchair basketball as well.

Seeing my husband becoming more positive, I felt a sense of relief and also a desire to be someone he could talk to, even if just a little. So, I diligently learned the rules. Now, we both watch professional games, and we even have our favorite players and teams.

"A blessing in disguise," they say; you never know what might be the trigger for someone to regain their brightness.

I realized once again how important it is for those around a loved one who is feeling down to provide even a smallきっかけ (trigger/opportunity).