DAYTON, Ohio — This is the inaugural season of the Centerville Elks Wheelchair Basketball inclusive, coed team, and we couldn’t be more excited! The interscholastic sport was developed in partnership with the nonprofit organization Adaptive Sports Ohio, which worked with staff members at Centerville City Schools to start a team.

Wheelchair basketball gives students with physical disabilities the chance to fully participate in a school-sponsored sport. They get to experience being on an athletic team, which they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to do. The perfect example of not limiting individuals with disabilities, this sport promotes more inclusivity, which Centerville City Schools strives to do.

The team comprises students both with and without disabilities. All student athletes have learned to play together and build on each other’s strengths and weaknesses. A number of our athletes with disabilities have minimal to no experience playing a team sport. Sacrifice is already a given regarding disabilities, because most of the team members live it every day; but to teach it through sport is another story altogether.

Teamwork and sportsmanship have been an emphasis this season. All players regularly discuss their strengths and weaknesses. These discussions allow students to encourage one another and recognize personnel on the court. Students are then able to make in-game decisions, based on who is playing.

The addition of our team has already made a huge impact on our district. The community, students and staff have been so supportive. They have rallied around this new team, and the support has been phenomenal.

I want to thank our coaches, Kenya Smith and Stacy Riste. This team would not be as successful as it has been in our inaugural season, without them teaching our students.

The Centerville Elks’ first game took place on Dec. 1, 2023. We would love to clinch the state championship, to be held at The University of Akron on Sat., Mar. 9. Send your support, and come watch these hardworking student athletes next season!

What Being on the Team Means to Me

“There have been challenges that go along with learning basketball, but my favorite part is learning teamwork and sportsmanship.”
—Grady

“I am proud to be a player on Centerville’s first wheelchair basketball team. Being part of the team has made me more confident.”
—Ellie

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know my teammates and coaches and have had fun being able to play a game I love from a wheelchair, so I’m not the slowest person on the court (like I was in regular basketball).”
—Evan

“From starting something I never thought I would do, I have enjoyed meeting people I would just smile at as they passed me in the halls. Now I talk to them every day. I also think having a winning record as a first-year team, we have grown closer together and found each other’s strengths and weaknesses. I believe we will keep getting better and drawing more attention to the sport and more people like me, who never thought this was something they would ever do.”
—Luke

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