Wheelchair basketball is one of the most exciting–and unknown–sports in America (and the world). Thousands of United States disabled athletes compete in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association each year, all vying for the national championship trophy in a variety of competitive divisions.

In addition to playing a full game schedule each year, the Charlottesville Cardinals are also dedicated to the mission of eliminating attitudinal barriers towards people with disabilities by energetically demonstrating their “abilities,” rather than “disabilities,” on the basketball court.

The Charlottesville Cardinals wheelchair basketball team was formed in early 1980 by six local athletes in the Charlottes ville area. The team was created to provide athletes with disabilities the opportunity for exercise and competitive recreation, and to educate the general public concerning the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Since its formation, over 450 area athletes with disabilities have participated with the Cardinals and they have performed in front of over 85,000 people across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. The team was initially sponsored by the Therapeutic Recreation Program of the City of Charlottesville. Later, a local center for independent living, the Independence Resource Center, also helped sponsor the team.

Now in their 31st season, the Cardinals will again field a Championship Division team in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) this year. In 2009-2010, the Cardinals posted their 10th straight 20+ win season, finishing the year ranked 12th in the nation.In 2007 the Cardinals’ squad made the NWBA Final Four, losing in overtime to eventual national champion the Dallas Movin’ Mavericks. Each season the team sets its sights on returning to compete for the national championship.

The Cardinals perform numerous demonstrations at schools, churches, and community events to educate the general public concerning the abilities of people with disabilities.