wheelchair basketball paralympics 2024: Everything To Know
The 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, France, will feature wheelchair basketball from August 29 to September 81. This highly anticipated event will see both men’s and women’s tournaments, with eight teams competing in each category1.
Schedule and Venue
The wheelchair basketball competition will take place at the Bercy Arena, centrally located in Paris2. The tournament kicked off on August 29 and will run until September 82.
Teams and Groups
This year, the number of participating teams has been reduced, with eight teams in each tournament1. The groups are divided as follows:
- Men’s Tournament: Defending champions Team USA, Spain, Germany, and others.
- Women’s Tournament: Teams from the USA, Canada, the Netherlands, and more.
Key Matches and Predictions
- Team USA Men’s Team: Opened the tournament with a win against Spain3. They are the defending gold medalists and are expected to perform strongly.
- Team USA Women’s Team: Also strong contenders, with a history of podium finishes.
Star Players to Watch
- Brian Bell: A key player for Team USA, with two gold medals from previous Paralympics4.
- Rose Hollermann: Another standout for Team USA, with a gold and bronze medal to her name4.
Historical Context
Wheelchair basketball has been a part of the Paralympic Games since 1960. It is one of the most popular and competitive sports in the Paralympics, known for its fast pace and high skill level.
Rules and Format
The game follows similar rules to able-bodied basketball, with some modifications to accommodate the use of wheelchairs. Each game consists of four 10-minute quarters, and teams must adhere to specific classification points based on players’ functional abilities.
Previous Highlights
- Tokyo 2020: Team USA men’s team won gold, while the women’s team secured bronze4.
- Rio 2016: Both men’s and women’s teams from the USA won gold, showcasing their dominance in the sport4.
Future Prospects
The 2024 Paralympics are expected to be a thrilling showcase of talent and determination. With strong teams and star players, the competition will be fierce, and fans can look forward to some exciting matches.
