Rules? What Rules?

Ashley loves basketball but hates rules.

Last night, we attended the opening of a new basketball complex, one which includes a league for wheelchair basketball. Now Ronnie’s team will be able to play during the summer as well as during regular basketball season.

Both Ronnie and Ashley were in their chairs when we arrived for the opening ceremony, and most others in attendance assumed both of them would be playing the inaugural game. Unfortunately, it would not have been much of a game had Ashley played.

Ashley’s version of basketball is “gimme the ball”, “no you can’t have it back”, “it’s mine and I just want to sit here and hold it”, and “ok, now I’m ready to throw it but only up in the air so I can catch it again.”

I’m sure in her mind she would be saying, “You want me to roll up and down this court and get all hot and sweaty? No thank you.” Or, “Sorry, I can’t put on that yellow and blue jersey. It does NOT match my cute pink shorts.”

So for now, Ashley and I will be spectators, cheering on Ronnie and his team while we fan ourselves and drink iced beverages. Trust me, it really is safer that way – at least for the other wheelchair athletes!

Somebody's Smiling!

Ronnie got a big surprise when he got home from school yesterday - his very own basketball wheelchair! He had been borrowing an old one from the organization that sponsors the wheelchair basketball team (Sportable), but as of today, he won't have to borrow one any longer.

I think he's just a little bit happy!!

Chip got it all put together for him before the bus arrived, including the big red bow!



Then we made him close his eyes while we brought it out of hiding...



And there's the smile!!!



He then had the chance to try it out at basketball practice! (That's his volunteer interpreter standing.)



He's very happy - especially with how fast it can go :)



Way to go, my handsome son, way to go!!!!

Champions Every One

I yelled and cheered until I was hoarse, but he never heard me.

The crowd on the bleachers went crazy and stood up clapping, but he never heard them.

But I know he felt it all! After sinking a basket at the wheelchair basketball tournament this past Saturday, he would pump both arms in the air, and then immediately turn to find me in the crowd. He knows, really knows, how very, very proud I am of him - whether he hears me or not!

We drove to North Carolina, about 3 hours away, to participate in the tournament. There were lots of teams, and this was the first time Ronnie's team had ever played a real game. Until then, they had only played against each other. They learned a lot, and still had a great time.

They even played the world champion junior wheelchair basketball team. They lost but held that team from scoring until 9 minutes into the game. Their coach said that had never happened!

Way to go, Lazy Legs! You are all champions!

Just Another Player

(photo by Danny Moloshok of the New York Times)

I admit that I worry about Ronnie being the only Deaf player on his wheelchair basketball team. From the first practice, I wondered how Ronnie would understand what the coach was saying and how the other teammates would communicate with him. When he plays in his first tournament at the end of January, how will he hear the referee's whistle and know that play is to be stopped?

But you know what? Somehow it all works out.

Ronnie does some lip reading. Chip and I do some interpreting. And the other players have learned to use gestures, taps on Ronnie's back, and other such signals to let him know what to do. Plus, Ronnie only needs a few moments to observe a play to understand it.

So, I've tried to back off the worrying. And today that got easier when I found the following two articles about Michael Lizarraga, a forward for the Cal State-Northridge men's basketball team. And, as the Times article points out, Lizarraga is not the only one to benefit from his being a part of the team!

Deaf Player at Cal State Northridge Has a Real Feel for the Game

Cal State-Northridge forward is the only deaf player in Division I

Basketball Star!

Ronnie really has recovered fully from his surgery! How do I know this? Because last Thursday night he started playing on a wheelchair basketball team!

An organization in our town called Sportable has lots and lots of different sports activities and teams for people with physical disabilities. These aren't wimpy, made-up activities just to make someone feel like they are making a difference. These are wheelchair ramming, spectator screaming, sweat inducing sports activities!

There are special chairs and soon there will be uniforms. And the star of the team - why, Ronnie of course!! Here's the proof: