SPOKANE, Wash. – The annual Spokane Showdown wheelchair basketball tournament drew crowds to the Hub Sports Complex this weekend.
Participants and spectators gathered to witness the spirited competition and experience the community surrounding the event. The tournament featured teams from diverse locations, including Salt Lake City, Tacoma, Seattle, and even as far as California.
“I love our community so much. I’m glad that teams can fly in from across the country, you know, like local or a couple of states away. It’s been great that we can all bring it together and have this tournament,” one player said.
Participants emphasized the camaraderie and family-like atmosphere that exists off the court.
“We’re all against each other on the court, but outside, we’re like family, man. I just love it,” another player added.
This tournament provides a unique opportunity for players to come together. “Honestly, it really is. It truly is because, at a local gym, you might see one other person in a wheelchair or maybe one other person disabled. But here you have a gym pool of disabled people who are, who love this, who love this game of basketball,” said a participant.
The Spokane Showdown featured six divisions for competitors: adult, collegiate, military, women’s, varsity, and prep. This variety ensured options for players of different backgrounds and skill levels.
The event was celebrated for its spirited competition and the unity it fostered among participants from across various regions. Players and spectators alike relished the annual event, and many looked forward to future tournaments.
