NEW YORK, NY — At the intersection of Centre Street and Lafayette Street, beneath the skyline of Lower Manhattan, the Wheelchair Sports Federation set up a basketball court at the Foley Square Rest Stop, inviting New Yorkers to experience the game from a different point of view.
As part of New York City’s Summer Streets, the Wheelchair Sports Federation offered free hands-on wheelchair basketball to the public, complete with loaner sports chairs, athlete coaching, and open play. Whether pushing for the first time or trading shots with a new teammate, participants quickly found that this wasn’t just a demonstration; it was an invitation.
“We bring chairs, we get people in the chairs to show them what it’s like being in a wheelchair,” said Joseph Mendez, a longtime volunteer. “We’ve got plenty of athletes here to teach people who don’t have any idea what it’s like—how to push, how to shoot, how much work it takes to perform in a chair.”
A Full Court for All
The Wheelchair Sports Federation’s setup transformed a section of the street into an improvised basketball court, creating an urban play zone surrounded by metal barriers to keep the game flowing and the ball in play. With two hoops and a variety of sports wheelchairs in different sizes to fit children and adults alike, the setup welcomed anyone passing by. Visitors could sign a waiver, get fitted to a chair, and join a pickup game or a one-on-one shootout. Athletes and volunteers were on hand to offer tips on mobility, ball control, and court awareness.
“It’s very important that we, as wheelchair users, show people what it’s like,” said Mendez, who has been part of Summer Streets for over a decade. “How much effort and dedication it takes to perform well, no matter the sport.”
Mendez, who has used a wheelchair for more than 30 years, said the goal is to create understanding and open minds. “It’s great to see kids get in a chair that they’ve never tried and see how it changes their mindset,” he added. “Anybody can be in a wheelchair. It’s so important to be sensitive to others and understand what it takes.”
A First-Timer Finds a New Community
Among those taking to the court for the first time was Ariel Abal, a wheelchair user who recently began exploring adaptive sports.
“I just started playing [sports] literally a month and a half ago,” said Abal. “This was my first time trying wheelchair basketball. It’s intense.”
Abal, who had already tried wheelchair softball and tennis, said basketball presented a new set of challenges. “The mobility of the chair is probably the most important thing. If you can’t move in the chair, then there’s a problem, just like in every other wheelchair sport,” he explained. “But basketball is nice, it’s intense, and you move the whole time.”
Guided by experienced athletes, Abal learned everything from how to angle his wheels on defense to why hitting another player’s chair from the front is considered a foul. “They were great,” he said. “Taking me through all the do’s and don’ts. For a newbie, my shooting’s okay—could be worse.”
Though new to the Wheelchair Sports Federation, Abal said he had visited the organization’s website before coming out. “I’m definitely coming back,” he said with a smile. “I’m gonna get more involved, absolutely.”
Open Invitation
Summer Streets continues on August 9 and 16. The Wheelchair Sports Federation will be back at Foley Square from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on those Saturdays with the same street-court setup and open arms for anyone curious enough to roll onto the court.
Asked what he’d tell someone thinking of coming out next weekend, Abal didn’t hesitate: “Come by! Not only is it a lot of fun, but you’ll get involved with all these sports. You can play basketball with us. You’ll see how much it means.”
Additional photos from the event may be found in our photo gallery here.
media.wheelchairsportsfederation.org 
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