B.C. Wheelchair Basketball League tournaments, KASA fundraiser on TCC courts this weekend

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The fundraiser supports KASA programming, including for the juniors who were practising on Thursday (Oct. 23). 

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“Able-bodied people and people with disabilities of a variety of sorts come together and mingle and compete and just go head to head in a way they just don’t ever get to do otherwise,” Gutoski said. 

Heath Redden, 12, said his parents are volunteering for Hoopfest and he plans to be involved all weekend.

“I just like doing it, getting my exercise in and having a good time,” said Redden, who has mild cerebral palsy on his left side. “It may seem easy, but it’s not.” 

Ben Chapman is an able-bodied member of the junior program who heard about KASA through friends at church. 

“They’re just so kind and they bring you in as their own once you’re there,” Chapman said. 

B.C. Wheelchair Basketball League junior and adult tournaments are slated for Saturday and Sunday, with game action running from about 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days. 

Redden and Chapman will play for junior squads from Kelowna and Pender Island, respectively, as the first-year KASA junior program does not have enough players to form a team. 

Gutoski hopes to change that next year. 

“It’s age eight to 16 and if you can wheel a chair on your own unassisted, then you can participate,” he said, noting prospective KASA members can sign up for programming through the City of Kamloops. 

The adult provincial tournament will feature the Kamloops Bulldawgs, who are aiming to defend home court against teams from across B.C.

“Prince George, Victoria, Vancouver, Langley, us and Kelowna is new this year,” Gutoski said. “We play in various cities throughout the season.” 

Spectators are welcome for the fundraiser and tournaments. 

“We absolutely love that,” Gutoski said. “There is no admission price. It’s free. We have bleachers. Make noise. Cheer for your team. Cheer for your hometown city if you’re not from here. Just make some noise. It just feels good to have a crowd to play for.”