Disabled athletes rise to basketball challenge

A Hamilton mother credits the Waikato Pistons basketball team for changing her intellectually handicapped son’s life.

Jodi Nicholls’ 12-year-old son Reid is a developmentally disabled, non-verbal child with autistic tendencies but since taking part in a Waikato Pistons basketball programme, designed for people with intellectual handicaps, Reid has matured, learnt to socialise and has started to vocalise and express himself more.

Ms Nicholls said the programme is a godsend for Reid who idolises the Pistons and counts the days
before he gets to go back to the programme.

This is the second year the team has helped run a 14-week basketball programme.

Waikato Pistons Chief Executive, John Davey, said they are all supportive guys who want to help out in the community and have no problem giving up their time for a good cause.

“The Pistons are very humbled to be involved in such a positive experience, the special needs athletes always leave with booming smiles,” he said.

Before the programme Reid’s disabilities had stopped him from playing sports or being involved in team activities.

Ms Nicholls said Reid is usually excluded from a lot because of his communication skills and mental capabilities but the programme focuses on personal achievement and enjoyment regardless of disability.

She said the programme has a very inclusive family feel to it.

“Your child’s not on show for the world, you don’t have to explain your situation, there is just so much acceptance.

“When I see Reid playing basketball and having fun with his peers I almost feel like a normal soccer mum, which is not a feeling you get often with a special needs child.”

Reid is not the only person who has benefitted from the programme.

Programme organiser Simone Kokaua said, “Before the programme some of the athletes were taking a lot of medication and sitting at home playing video games but after participating they are more active and in some cases take significantly less medication.”

Last year 80 athletes aged 11 to 43 participated.

Grassroots Trust has a close relationship with Waikato Basketball and fund a large part of the programme so it is affordable and accessible to as many athletes as possible.

The programme runs from 6.30 to 8.30pm every Thursday until August 25.