On August 4-5th 2016, ADDP Japan organized the first wheelchair basketball training and demonstration match under the USAID-funded World Education Laos (WEL) TEAM project. During two intensive days in the National Stadium, Luang Prabang, ADDP Japan staff and 5 highly skilled players from the Vientiane transferred their passion for basketball and motivated 10 young women and men with disabilities to gain techniques and enjoy the game. The 10 new players will eventually create a new Wheelchair Basketball team in Luang Prabang province.
Spectators included officials from Provincial Education Service and Sports (PESS) and Provincial Labor and Social Welfare (PLSW) and WEL-TEAM project, and they were very impressed by the high level of motivation and quality of the skills of the new participants, particularly by the fervor of three new young women recruits.
“It is my first time playing wheelchair basketball and I love it because it promotes healthy living and creates friendship,” said Bounnhang Thammanivone
With the support of TEAM project, ADDP will create two new wheelchair basketball teams and train young potential players to be the members of provincial wheelchair basketball teams in Luang Prabang and also in Savannakhet. In addition, ADDP are refurbishing and repairing at least 20 used wheelchairs to donate to each province.
“Wheelchair basketball is one of the most exciting sports among person with limited mobility and it is exciting to see the high level of enthusiasm to expand this sport beyond Vientiane,’ said Bernard Franck, Technical Director of WEL-TEAM project.
