A Dream Realized: Uisp La Spezia Pirates Debut in National Wheelchair Basketball Championship
The Uisp La Spezia Pirates, a newly formed wheelchair basketball team, are set to make their debut in the national championship, marking a notable milestone for adaptive sports in the region.Despite facing challenges due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering spirit of its players.”Dreams do come true,” affirms Andrea Dreini, coach and player for the Pirates, who also serves as the national manager for Uisp Basketball. The team’s origin story dates back to 2018 when a group of passionate individuals, eager to continue their wheelchair basketball journey, approached Uisp La Spezia and Valdimagra.
With support from the Liguria region’s “Insieme si può” projects, the generosity of the Sick Assistance Committee of engineer Alfredo Perioli, and the collaboration of Asd Basket Giovane Claudio papini, the Pirates found a stable training ground in Montepertico. Eleven sports wheelchairs were acquired,paving the way for this inspiring initiative.”Its an honor to witness the stories and aspirations of these remarkable individuals,” shares Alessandro Sturlese, national manager of uisp Basketball and a La Spezia native. “After two years of pandemic-induced hardship, seeing them rediscover joy through basketball is truly heartwarming.”
The Uisp is dedicated to promoting inclusivity in sports, encouraging widespread participation of people with disabilities in all sporting activities.The wheelchair basketball championship exemplifies this commitment, welcoming both individuals with disabilities and able-bodied players. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of belonging and empathy, creating a truly unified team environment.
While the rules of the game remain the same, wheelchair basketball offers a unique outlook and demands specialized skills.The championship brings together five teams: Delfini 2001 from Montecchio Maggiore,Asdre Reggio la Briantea84 Cantù,Wolf Basket Pistoia,and the La Spezia pirates.
The Pirates will face their first challenge against the formidable Briantea Cantù team at 3 PM tommorow at the Montepertico Gym. The roster, comprised of Pietro La Rosa, Roberta De Martino, Giorgio Porpiglia, Leonardo Gamboni, Riccardo Spella, Manrico raggio, Fabio Vincitorio, Davide Marchini, Andrea Dreini, Paolo La rosa, and Laura Baldi, embodies the dedication and resilience that brought wheelchair basketball to La Spezia. Their journey is a powerful reminder that dreams, with unwavering commitment, can indeed become reality.
Wheelchair Basketball Takes Center Court: AnInspiring Interview with Coach Andrea Dreini
The world of sports is constantly evolving, and nowhere is that more evident than in the rise of adaptive sports. Today, we’re thrilled too welcome Andrea Dreini, coach and player for the newly formed Uisp La Spezia Pirates wheelchair basketball team, to discuss thier historic debut in the national championship. Andrea, not only are you leading this exciting new team, but you also serve as the national manager for Uisp Basketball.That’s quite a obligation!
Andrea, tell us, what sparked the idea for the Pirates? What journey brought this team to life?
“it all started back in 2018 with a group of passionate individuals who were determined to continue their wheelchair basketball journey. Thay approached Uisp La Spezia and Valdimagra, and with the amazing support of the Liguria region’s ‘Insieme si può’ projects, the generosity of the Sick Assistance Committee of engineer Alfredo Perioli, and the collaboration of Asd Basket Giovane Claudio papini, the Pirates became a reality.Finding a stable training ground in Montepertico and acquiring eleven sports wheelchairs were crucial stepping stones. It’s truly a testament to the power of community.”
That’s remarkable! It sounds like this team has overcome significant hurdles to get to this point. The COVID-19 pandemic must have presented unique challenges.
“Absolutely. The past two years have been tough for everyone, especially in the sports world. But witnessing these individuals rediscover their passion for basketball after such hardship has been incredibly heartwarming. It reinforces the importance of what we do and the impact it has on their lives.”
The Uisp is known for its dedication to inclusivity in sports. How does the wheelchair basketball championship embody this commitment?
“We believe strongly that sports should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of ability. The wheelchair basketball championship welcomes both individuals with disabilities and able-bodied players, creating a truly unified team surroundings. This inclusivity fosters empathy and understanding, demonstrating that we are stronger together.”
You mentioned unique skills are required in wheelchair basketball. How does the game differ from traditional basketball?
“While the core rules remain the same, wheelchair basketball demands specialized skills and strategies. Players need exceptional upper body strength and coordination, as well as a deep understanding of spatial awareness and teamwork.It’s a dynamic and exciting sport to watch!”
The Pirates are set to face the formidable Briantea Cantù team in their first game. How are you and the team feeling about this challenge?
“We’re excited and ready to compete! We know Briantea Cantù is a strong team, but our players have been training hard and are determined to make a good showing. This is a historic moment for the Pirates, and we are going to make the most of it.”
what message do you have for young athletes who might be considering getting involved in wheelchair basketball?
“Don’t hesitate! Wheelchair basketball is an incredible sport that offers camaraderie, challenge, and a sense of accomplishment. No matter yoru background or ability, ther’s a place for you on the court.”
Readers, what are your thoughts on the rise of adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball? Share your comments and let’s keep the conversation going!
