Hackney-bred basketball player tries para sport

ENGLAND BASKETBALL player Orlan Jackman is pround of his East London roots – and credits his Hackney school for believing in him, encouraging him and helping him to find his sporting destiny.

Jackman always wanted to play for England and was delighted to be part of the team at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia. He has now welcomed the announcement that 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball will be included in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022.

“Sport is one of only a few things in the world that connects people regardless of their background, ability or whether they are able-bodied or disabled,” Jackman said. “The fact that Team England is a totally unified team of able-bodied and para athletes is something I’m very proud of, because I want to come from a country that includes as many people as possible, and excludes no one.

“I know that’s very difficult, but we are taking steps in the right direction by having the highest para sport programme for Birmingham 2022. It will give athletes a bigger platform to show what they’re made of, and it’s a great opportunity for the next superstar to step up and claim their throne.”

Jackman recently returned to his old club, Cheshire Phoenix, to try out wheelchair basketball. “The session was incredibly hard,” he said. “There are some skills that are transferable, like shooting, spacing and understanding the game, but the movement is so difficult. These guys are incredible athletes, which they just proved by schooling me at wheelchair basketball!

“I really hope the next Commonwealth Games will leave a legacy for basketball in this country that we can build upon, because Birmingham 2022 is going to be huge, and basketball needs to play its part in that.”

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