MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Minnesota is hosting a wheelchair basketball tournament this weekend for the first time since 2019. The event is hosted by the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.
More than any other month, March is all about basketball. This adapted version of James Naismith’s invention packs a different punch.
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“I would say it’s more physically demanding than able-bodied basketball. The rules are pretty much the same,” said Jack Binsfeld, a member of the Minnesota Junior Rolling Timberwolves team.
The chairs are finely tuned machines.
“They don’t have brakes like a day chair. Because we don’t need brakes,” said Binsfeld.
This weekend’s tournament brought together teams from many different states along with Courage Kenny’s four teams. For some, it was their entry into high-level wheelchair basketball.
“That look on their face when they come into the gym, it’s worth it,” said Ryan Trench, program specialist at Courage Kenny.
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Binsfeld from White Bear Lake is one of the top sophomores in the country.
“It really gave me a job and a hobby,” said Binsfeld.
Like many people, Jack has relied on basketball for support.
“Without wheelchair basketball, I feel like I’m a completely different person. I’m going home and I’m so bored. But I can always go to the gym and get some shots,” Binsfeld said.
With the national tournament just weeks away, Minnesota’s wheelchair basketball contingent is in full swing.
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After high school, many of the athletes plan to play wheelchair basketball at the collegiate level.
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