While flying to Bangkok from Tokyo I was on the same flight as the USA Women’s U25 wheelchair basketball team.

The flight was a bit delayed, but it was for a very good reason. They had to make sure they got all the wheelchairs on board and the athletes seated. I said hi to some of the basketball players and wished them good luck at the championships.

This morning I was trying to figure out what to do with the weekend and I checked to see how the US team was doing. They were supposed to be playing at a gym that was across the city, but I found out that because of some water damage they were playing at a closer place. I decided to explore part of the city and go see the team play in the quarter finals.

When I got to the arena the previous game was almost over and the team was watching them play.

I found out where the USA spectators were going to sit and found a seat to watch the rest of the Germany/Spain game that was before.

It was not a big crowd, mostly parents of some of the players, but we made a lot of noise.

I have watched wheelchair basketball before on TV, including some of these players, as I watched a lot of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

It was really different to see the game in person, and I am glad that I took the chance to come cheer for them.

The USA won the game against Thailand, and I was able to see all the players play and contribute since it was not a close game.

One of the parents apologized that it was not an exciting close game, but I really enjoyed the game exactly like it was. At the end of the game all the lowest ability players for the USA were on the court at one time which was great for them.

It was a nice way to spend the day. A great experience watching the USA team win and a couple good long walks in the hot humid Bangkok weather.

I am glad that I shared the flight from Tokyo with the team as it triggered a great experience.

Steven

Sunday Update: The USA team won their semi-final match and will play for the championship on Monday.

Monday Update: The USA team won the final match against Great Britain this afternoon while I was teaching. I watched the game on YouTube later.