Finding Purpose Thru Sport: Aziz Göçeber’s Wheelchair Basketball Journey
Aziz Göçeber, a 40-year-old athlete from Şanlıurfa, exemplifies the transformative power of sports. Confined to a wheelchair due to polio contracted at the age of two, Göçeber spent nearly 15 years largely isolated at home. his life took a dramatic turn when a friend suggested he visit the Şanlıurfa disabled People’s Association. There, he discovered wheelchair basketball, a sport that would not only change his physical well-being but also reshape his entire life.
Göçeber joined the team established by the association’s president and has been actively involved as both a player and manager for the past 22 years. He credits wheelchair basketball with enabling him to complete his education, secure employment, and even start a family. “Basketball became my turning point,” Göçeber reflects. “it breathed new life into me.”
Looking towards the future, Göçeber plans to transition from player to coach, sharing his passion and expertise with a new generation of athletes. He is currently pursuing coaching certifications, aiming to guide and mentor others after his playing days are over.
Göçeber’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of inclusivity in sports. He encourages other individuals with disabilities to embrace athletic pursuits, stating, “Don’t stay confined to your homes. Explore the world of sports and hold onto life.”
Şanlıurfa Büyükşehir Belediyespor, Göçeber’s team, is a shining exmaple of the positive impact wheelchair basketball can have.Competing in the Super League,the team boasts a roster of talented athletes who,like Göçeber,have found purpose and community through the sport. Their success highlights the potential of wheelchair basketball to empower individuals with disabilities and foster social integration.
Finding Purpose Beyond the Court: An Interview with Wheelchair Basketball Legend, Aziz Göçeber
Welcome back, sports fans! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with a true inspiration, a man who embodies the power of resilience and the transformative potential of sports – Aziz Göçeber. Aziz, a 40-year-old wheelchair basketball star from Şanlıurfa, Turkey, has a story that transcends the court, demonstrating how athletic prowess can fuel profound personal growth and community engagement.
welcome, Aziz. Thank you for joining us.
Aziz: It’s a pleasure to be here.
Your journey is truly remarkable. Confined to a wheelchair due to polio since childhood, you found a new lease on life through wheelchair basketball. Can you take us back to that pivotal moment when you discovered this sport?
Aziz: It feels like another lifetime ago! I was 18, spending most of my days at home, feeling isolated.A friend suggested I visit the Şanlıurfa disabled People’s Association. At first, I was hesitant, unsure of what to expect.But that’s where I discovered wheelchair basketball, and my world changed forever.It wasn’t just about the physical activity; it was the camaraderie, the sense of purpose, the feeling of belonging. It breathed new life into me.
The article highlights how wheelchair basketball not only improved your physical well-being but also empowered you to pursue education, secure employment, and build a family. can you elaborate on how the sport acted as a catalyst for these transformations?
Aziz: Absolutely. Basketball gave me a sense of direction.It taught me discipline,teamwork,and the importance of perseverance. These qualities, which I honed on the court, translated into other areas of my life. I felt empowered to pursue my education, which led to better job opportunities and ultimately, the ability to build a fulfilling family life.
Many athletes find it challenging to balance their athletic pursuits with other aspects of life. How have you managed this delicate balance throughout your career?
Aziz: It hasn’t always been easy, that’s for sure.There have been sacrifices, late nights, and missed opportunities. But the rewards – the joy of playing the sport I love, the bonds I’ve forged with my teammates, the knowledge that I’m inspiring others – make it all worthwhile. My family has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey, and their unwavering belief in me has been a driving force.
Now, you’re transitioning from player to coach, sharing your experience and expertise with a new generation of athletes. What excites you most about this next chapter?
Aziz: Guiding young athletes, nurturing their talent, and helping them discover the same joy and purpose that I found in wheelchair basketball – that’s what truly motivates me. I want to show them that irrespective of physical limitations, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
What message would you offer to individuals with disabilities who might be hesitant to embrace sports or feel excluded from the athletic world?
Aziz: Don’t stay confined to your homes.Explore the world of sports, find your passion, and never give up on your dreams. There’s a place for everyone in the sporting community, regardless of ability.
Aziz, your story is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing your journey and for reminding us of the profound impact sports can have on our lives.
Aziz: Thank you for having me.
Readers, we want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on Aziz’s journey and the importance of inclusivity in sports in the comments below. Let’s keep this vital conversation going!
