Ben Moncrieff.
Camera IconBen Moncrieff. Credit: Supplied/Aaron Corlett

Booragoon wheelchair basketball player recieves Variety WA scholarship

Aaron CorlettMelville Gazette

PERTH Wheelcats basketball player Ben Moncrieff is closer to his dream of playing at the Paralympics after receiving a grant from Variety WA.

The Booragoon resident (17) was among the recipients of Variety WA Heart Scholarships, with the $4000 contribution, along with some money from his grandfather Ken, enabling him to buy a new wheelchair.

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“The previous wheelchair I was using wasn’t made for me and was about 20 years old,” he said.

“Having my own custom-made chair has improved my game and skill so much.”

Moncrieff was diagnosed with Perthes Disease when he was six years old.

It is a condition that affects the blood supply to the femur.

“I had a hip replacement in August last year, which was very intense and now I’m feeling better,” he said.

“The recovery period was about six months but they wanted me to walk a few days after surgery, which was crazy.”

Ben Moncrieff. Jon Hewson
Camera IconBen Moncrieff. Jon Hewson Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Moncrieff said he started playing wheelchair basketball about two years ago.

“I was Googling online and seeing they were playing at the Melville Recreation Centre,” he said.

“What I enjoy about the sport is that it’s just fun; I’ve made a few friends too and I’ve been able to go away to the Nationals.

“I’m heading to Townsville in a few weeks for my third Nationals.

“There aren’t exact positions with wheelchair basketball but I’m tall so I’m good at rebounding and scoring. My goal is to train with the Australian Rollers one day.”

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