Richmond to Host 2024 Wheelchair Basketball Nationals April 5-14 at Henrico Sports & Events Center
RICHMOND, VA – (Tuesday, April 2, 2024) – Sportable, Central Virginia’s premier adaptive sports club, is proud to host the 2024 National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Adult and Junior Division Wheelchair Basketball National Championships April 5-14 at the state-of-the-art Henrico Sports & Events Center in Henrico, Virginia. Tickets are on sale now at Sportable.org.
“Don’t miss the electric atmosphere and non-stop action next week when more than a thousand wheelchair basketball players compete for national titles right here in Central Virginia,” commented Hunter Leemon, Sportable Chief Executive Officer. “From youth players competing on the national stage for the first time to seasoned Paralympians, this event promises to be an unparalleled experience. We strongly encourage the RVA community to come out to Henrico Sports & Events Center to see what wheelchair basketball is all about.”
“We are thrilled to host the Junior & Adult Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Richmond,” commented Matt Pierre, NWBA Board of Directors, and National Tournaments Evaluation Team member. “The team in Richmond is committed to elevating our championship events to the next level. We are excited for this opportunity, and believe our members will love the experience that will be offered.”
Richmond’s local Junior Varsity team, the Sportable Spokes, will be one of 52 Junior Division teams set to compete April 5-7. The 12th ranked Sportable Rim Riders will take to the courts one week later, April 12-14, when they compete for a NWBA Division II Championship. In total, 100 teams and over 1,100 wheelchair basketball players will compete for six national titles over the two weekends.
“This a great opportunity for our region to showcase our outstanding facilities and attractions, and showcase our pride and commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive destination where everyone can play,” added Jerrine Lee, Vice President of Sales for Richmond Region Tourism. “We are honored to partner with Sportable and the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority to provide a world-class experience for the athletes, coaches and fans.”
The host venue, Henrico Sports & Events Center, opened in November 2023 and features more than 185,000-square feet of adaptable event space. The NWBA Wheelchair Basketball National Tournaments will utilize all 12 basketball courts for games, vendors, and meeting spaces, culminating in the Championship games held in the 3,500-seat arena.
“We’re very excited to welcome the NWBA and its athletes to our new indoor sports and events center,” said Dennis Bickmeier, Executive Director of the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority. “This tournament will be a signature event in the early history of the facility. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver this showcase event to our community and witnessing the athleticism and teamwork that will happen over the two weeks of competition.”
Founded in 1981, the Rim Riders wheelchair basketball team has been a mainstay in Richmond for more than 40 years. Introduced in 2006, youth wheelchair basketball was the second sports program ever offered by Sportable when youth players trained alongside the Richmond Rim Riders at Humphrey Calder Community Center. The Rim Riders officially merged with Sportable in 2017.