Ever thought about trying wheelchair basketball? According to Simon Mead, CEO of Rebound WA, “You might not end up at the Paralympics, but you can certainly find your team and have fun.” For the last seven years, Brookfield Place Perth has partnered with Rebound WA on December 3 – the International Day of People with a Disability - by hosting wheelchair basketball competitions for corporate teams. Players are coached by Perth-based Paralympians before facing off in a 20-minute match, which not only brings the team together, but also promotes awareness of people living with a disability.
“Working with Brookfield Properties has created an enormous amount of visibility for both our organisation and our cause. They have provided a fantastic facility for us to play in and promoted what we do, which has led to greater awareness and involvement from the wider community,” he said. According to Simon, adaptive sport is especially important for children with disabilities, as it shows them they can be active and competitive regardless of ability. He added that not everyone who has a physical disability uses a wheelchair – people have disabilities that might not be visible. “Adaptive sport levels the playing field and allows people of all abilities to compete against each other,” said Simon. “I would encourage anyone curious about it to have a go.”
The last event hosted in 2023 saw the initiative welcome 150 players across 22 teams, helping raise funds and awareness for the incredible work that Rebound WA in enabling Western Australia’s disabled community.
