When Tyler Bartley gets on the basketball court, he’s ready to bring it on. But he’s quick to add: “Win or lose, it doesn’t matter.”
After competing at the Special Olympics, Tyler has signed up for the newest fully inclusive basketball competition in Knox.
“I think it’s good because you get to see levels of people that have never played before to people like me that play three nights a week,” he says. “You get people who just play this and get really good and then it’s also a pathway into the state team and other things that can help you out.
“I’ve made a lot of friends from it. At some comps, it’s a lot of friends and a lot of talking and then once you get on the court it’s like, we’re on, you’re not my friend anymore.”
The Knox Inclusive Basketball League was born after Interchange Outer East received over $9,000 council funding to deliver the competition in partnership with Knox Basketball. It’s played on Monday nights at the recently expanded State Basketball Centre in Wantirna South.
About 28,000 or 17% of Knox residents live with disability.
Marcel Vermulst, who loves shooting hoops, says he plays mainly for the social aspect.
“I just play for fun, I just play for the points,” he says. “It’s a good way to make friends.”
For Thomas Edwards, it will be the second league he plays in.
“I’ve been playing for over 12 years,” he says. “One of the great things is it’s a great social environment as well – a lot of fun – and you get to have a bit of a laugh as well as be in a competitive environment.”
Thomas’ mum, Alex Edwards, says being a fully inclusive league, it provides more opportunities.
“Often our players get to a certain age in a mainstream competition and they may not be able to carry on in a mainstream setting,” she says. “So, this is a way for some of our players with a disability, who can play with players who are able-bodied, to play with them in a more fun environment.”
Interchange Outer East’s Erin Weegberg says over 100 expressions of interest were received from people wanting to play in the league.
“This is the first competition of its kind in the Knox area,” she says. “It’s all-inclusive, so families can play together. So, Alex could play with Thomas in the same team.
“There’s been huge interest in it, which has been amazing. We hope that it will grow even further as the competition gets underway and word spreads.”
For their CEO Fred Brumhead, forming the league represents a dream fulfilled.
“We are so excited to be bringing this inclusive competition to Knox,” he says. “It’s a great opportunity for people with disability of all ages to play sport with their friends and family. We hope to create a fun and welcoming competition for anyone who wants to play basketball.”
Knox Basketball CEO Grant Harrison says the centre’s significant expansion with 12 new indoor courts had provided more opportunities for local competitions.
“With our new courts open, it’s the perfect time to start this wonderful program that’s been five years in the making,” he says. “We also thank Knox City Council for their continued support in all areas of this sport.”
Knox Inclusive Basketball League plays Monday nights at 7, 8 and 9pm at the State Basketball Centre, 291 George Street, Wantirna South. Find out more:
Pictured: Marcel Vermulst, Tyler Bartley and Thomas Edwards play in Knox’s newest inclusive basketball competition.
