Implementation

The training took place in Komotini Greece from 25 of September till 30 of September 2023 and in the following lines you are going to have an analysis of what we are doing every day in the training.  

FIRST DAY, Monday 25 of September 2023 

During the first afternoon session, we started with a presentation of the hosting organization sports club Irodikos. The participants were informed about the main functions of the club, the team history and the future goals. We continued the session with an ice breaker where participants split into two groups and were handed out paper cards and pens. Then we instructed them to write down three main characteristics that represent them as people. After gathering all the cards, we shuffled them and handed them out again to all the participants so they can identify which person wrote each card. When everyone was identified, each participant was given a minute to talk about themselves and to give some information about their lives. Within the same framework president of PERPATO Alexandros Taxildaris welcomed the participants and gave a small introduction of the project and explained the whole week that follows. To end the day participants had the opportunity to explore the town's landmarks through a city tour on their way to dinner.

SECOND DAY, Tuesday 26 of September 2023

On the second day we started with a workshop introducing the participants to the basic rules of wheelchair basketball and the differences of the referring process. Through a presentation participants also learned about the classification process which is essential in the sport. After a sort talk about the terminology of wheelchair basketball participants were split into two groups in order to have a basic wheelchair training. The first group was taken outside and learned about wheelchair handling on pavements, roads and ramps and the second group was taken to a room where they learned how to safely transfer people from the wheelchair to the bed and vice versa. Both trainings were guided from experienced trainers and both groups completed the two different trainings. In the afternoon session, the participants were introduced to the main coach of the training "Inclusion of disabled people through basketball Erasmus +". On the basketball court the coach started the session by giving basketball wheelchairs to all of them explaining how to hold the wheel, how to push the wheelchair more effectively and how to securely tie yourself to the wheelchair. Once everyone was getting accustomed to the new skill the coach demonstrated various screening techniques that are vital on the sport. The session was conducted with many dribbling drills and a sort game in order for the participants to experience for the first-time real game conditions.

THIRD DAY, Wednesday 27 of September 2023

On the third day of the project we transferred to the basketball court and we started the day off by teaching the participants different warmup exercises and techniques in order to get them ready for the training ahead and establish the importance of warming up before any physical exercise. After that it was time for the participants to apply everything they learned yesterday and get a chance to improve their skills through practical ability practice. Using cones, the ball and different drills assisted and elevated the training, after that to complete the afternoon session we demonstrated rehabilitation techniques that would help the participants with a hard day of training. In the afternoon session, the coach wanted to instil the importance that offense and player cooperation plays in wheelchair basketball. He split the participants into groups and ran many different drills regarding offensive tactics and always making sure that players communicated with each other during the process. To conclude the day the coach talked about the importance of maintaining the wheelchair, quick fixes, tire changes and proper cleaning methods for every part of it.

FOURTH DAY, Thursday 28 of September 2023

On the fourth day of the project we organized a tournament. The main focus was for the participants to apply everything they learned through the first days of the project but also experience the fun of cooperation and the sport of basketball. The participants were split into two teams by two captains. Everyone participated in the game during the 60 minutes where we also had a referee to make sure that all the rules were followed. After an exciting game with all the participants showing amazing new skills we had a small award ceremony for everyone awarding them commemorative medals.

FIFTH DAY, Friday 29 of September 

The last day of the project included a whole free day for the participants to hang out at the association, to explore the city and the local culture. In the afternoon, we had our culture night where all the countries brought traditional delicacies and drinks from their home music from all over Europe and some amazing traditional outfits. An amazing ending to the project.