Students here at St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School recently had the opportunity to try something new in their physical education program — wheelchair basketball! The school’s phys-ed department brought back this unique parasport clinic, giving Grade 10–12 students hands-on experience with an adaptive sport that emphasizes skill, strength, teamwork, and inclusion.
Approximately 80 students participated in the clinic, learning the fundamentals of wheelchair basketball, including how to maneuver the chair, dribble while maintaining control, and work together on the court. Many students found the activity both fun and challenging, discovering quickly that the mechanics of the game require new strategies and physical endurance.
The revived wheelchair basketball unit is part of a larger vision within the school’s phys-ed program—a commitment to broadening students’ understanding of sport, ability, and community. This philosophy is deeply aligned with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board’s motto, “Each Belongs,” which emphasizes dignity, inclusion, and the belief that every student has value and a place within our community.
By participating in adaptive sports, students experience firsthand the strengths and challenges faced by athletes with disabilities. They also learn the importance of empathy, respect, and creating spaces where everyone can participate meaningfully.
Phys-ed teacher Mr. Kevin Duffy explained that providing diverse athletic opportunities helps strengthen school culture: “Sports look different for everyone, and activities like this bring our students together in new ways.”
Leading the session was Jamoi Anderson from Parasport Ontario, a multi-sport athlete and national sitting-volleyball medallist. Anderson shared his personal journey into parasport after a life-changing health event, inspiring students as he demonstrated how adaptive sports can open new doors and build community.
The wheelchair basketball clinic was not only an exciting experience for students but also a powerful reminder of what it means to live the “Each Belongs” philosophy — learning together, supporting one another, and celebrating the diverse abilities of all members of our school community.
This amazing program was highlighted on CHCH TV News!
https://www.chch.com/chch-news/hamilton-high-school-students-learn-fundamentals-of-wheelchair-basketball-in-revived-parasport-clinic/
