Mike Leigh Cooper of Inkblot Films wrote us a guest blog about York Sharks, the city’s very own wheelchair basketball team.

Wheelchair basketball team, York Sharks meet twice a week at Fulford School and aim to bring wheelchair basketball to the lives of York residents. The team are calling out for new members to join in practices and collaborating with organisations such as SASH, Minster Law, Wetwheels Yorkshire and InkBlot Films to play the game and raise awareness or support for the club.

Head coach, Sarah Warriner originally joined the club because “Wheelchair basketball is a sport the whole family can do together. When we first started playing there were three generations of my family who took part: my mum, myself and all my 3 children. It’s a brilliant way to exercise while sitting down and fun, too.”  

“It makes everyone the same,” I heard someone say, recently.

York Sharks have been successful in raising funds in previous years for the club to support activities including boat trips with Wetwheels Yorkshire and game sponsorship from Minster Law. A recent addition to the club, Matthew Itson who works at Minster Law and has set up a Just Giving page.

Maxwell Wrate, also of Minster Law says “we have turned up regularly and it’s just been fun to be involved with. Our team came along because I happened to mention I was planning to be involved and we all collectively thought it was something worthwhile being involved with.”

The last major game in March was against SASH, a York-based youth homelessness charity. SASH worker, Gary Hogg explains

“It’s a fantastic feeling to stand on the sidelines and watch all of the SASH young people integrate with the rest of the team at the practice. They are learning how to play a new sport but more importantly are increasing their confidence and self-esteem by playing and being part of the team.”

York Sharks are looking for sponsorship in the future. Involvement starts at £350 to sponsor a chair. Other opportunities include kit sponsorship, games sponsorship, events and more. To support the York Sharks, call Peter Richardson Peter Richardson on   07742 600875 or email on info@yorksharks.site.

To get involved in the club visit www.yorksharks.site / York Sharks Facebook page at @YorkWheelchairBasketballClub. Sessions cost £3.