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Wheelchair basketball not just for the disabled
Many athletes participating in the sport at the Canada Winter Games embrace the idea of an event that integrates both able-bodied and disabled competitors.
But the concept continues to generate debate throughout the sport.
On the court, it's often difficult to distinguish the two groups.
That's the way Brian McPherson of Edmonton likes it.
McPherson, who was paralyzed from the waist down following an all-terrain vehicle accident in 1995, said playing with able-bodied athletes provides both inspiration and a welcome challenge.
"We all respect each other and everyone is treated equally," McPherson said following his team's 53-39 win over Manitoba.
"We play good, we play hard, we play fast."
Before joining the wheelchair basketball program eight months ago, the 20-year-old thought his days as an athlete were over.
He had been invited by baseball scouts to attend a development camp just prior to his accident, making it all the more difficult to cope with his injury.
"This does wonders for my self-esteem. It has given me a reason to get up in the morning again."
Many of the able-bodied competitors at the Games have been drawn to the sport by a disabled friend or relative.
Brett Turcotte, of Lorette, Man., started playing six years ago so he could have something in common with friend Joe Johnson, who is now a member of Canada's national men's team.
He knows there are some people who think the sport should be left to those who can't run and jump. But he believes both groups have something to contribute.
"The mix works really well," said Turcotte, 24. "You really rely on your disabled athletes, and the smaller players can really set the pace of the game."
To ensure teams are evenly matched, there is a complicated, internationally accepted classification system in place.
Athletes are given a number according to their specific level of mobility.
A complete paraplegic, for example, may be classified as a one, while all able-bodied competitors are given a 4.5.
The total number of points on the court at any one time can not exceed 14.
While the Canadian Wheelchair Basketball Association allows able-bodied athletes to compete at events such as the Winter Games, the national team and most international competitions do not.
Canada has traditionally had strong national teams. The women's team won its second straight world title last fall, while the men's team picked up a bronze.
The issue of including able-bodied athletes has long been debated among various levels of the sport, said Patrick Jarvis, Alberta's honourary captain and Canada's chef de mission at last year's Paralympic Winter Games.
He said it's a sensitive issue, since able-bodied athletes have helped raise both the sport's profile and numbers.
"Some wheelchair athletes are pushing for wide-open competitions in everything from basketball to track and field," said Jarvis.
"Others say no, you need to protect the rights of those who have a disability."
Jonathan Godbeer, 20, of Edmonton, became involved in the sport so he could play with his brother -- teammate Chris Godbeer -- who has spina bifida.
He said he prefers to think of his wheelchair as just another piece of sports equipment, not unlike a pair of skis or skates.
The challenge is to learn the plays and strategy, which are unlike the running version of the game.
Able-bodied athletes must also resist the temptation to lift themselves out of their chairs for a longer reach, or use their feet for balance.
"A lot of us strap ourselves in to keep control," said Godbeer.
"It's hard for me sometimes to keep my butt in the chair."