Our latest FIMBA GB Story focusses on Wheelchair player, Gary Davidson, who talks about how important basketball has been for his mental health and his hopes for the newly formed FIMBA GB Wheelchair programme.
Gary started playing basketball at age 12 and has since enjoyed 49 years of basketball, including representing Great Britain 89 times, but stopped playing in 1991 when he had “wee girl” – who is now 35!
Having played in the Paralympics in 1984, Gary had his passport ready to go for the next one in Illinois, USA but the then President, Ronald Reagan, had “spent all the money,” so they ended up in Stoke Mandeville, UK – the home of the Paralympic movement).
But it was fantastic as that’s where I met my wife and we’ve been married for 40 years. Basketball changed my life. I was a young guy from the north end of Glasgow and struggling with life, but then I find basketball and it changed my life completely. Now having the Masters is going to change my life again.
Gary came down from Scotland, with his family, to attend the first ever Wheelchair session in September, to see who was playing and for his own mental health wondering if he could do it again, having not trained for 3 years.
It was a great session, I’ve known the Coach since he was 16. People coming in are open to all disabilities and it’s all about inclusion. I’d like to be heavily involved in this programme, because the FIMBA Family fits the way I live my life – it fits everything I do in my life. We can even get a training camp in Scotland!
FIMBA GB can really change people’s lives. Guys like me are sitting in a house and waiting for the next holiday, but now they have basketball to look forward every month.
Thank you for sharing your story, Gary. It is wonderful to see how basketball has changed and shaped your life. Your passion and commitment is infectious and we are incredibly proud to have you as part of the FIMBA GB Family and look forward to supporting your journey. You can watch the full interview on the FIMBA GB YouTube Channel.
If, like Gary, you are sat at home wondering, “What if”, then register now using this form. With trainings every month around the country, and the opportunity to be part of the first ever GB Masters Wheelchair team, now is the time!
