Al-Jouf Wheelchair Basketball Player Inspires Saudi Paralympic Movement

Abdullah Al-Shammari, a player with the Al-Jouf Club for the Disabled, has transformed the tragedy of losing his leg in a car accident 12 years ago into an inspiring journey, finding purpose in Paralympic sports and eventually earning a spot on the Saudi Wheelchair Basketball National Team.

 Al-Shammari has participated in several international competitions, including the IWBF Asia Oceania Championship (2017, 2019, 2024), the Asian Games (2018), and the Arabian Gulf Cup (2018). He credits the Al-Jouf Club with helping him regain his confidence, overcome social isolation, and achieve both local and international success. He also noted that he was one of just three players when he joined the club nine years ago, and the team has since grown to 16 members.

 Established in 2013, the Al-Jouf Club for the Disabled is a hub for numerous sports, including basketball, goalball, sitting volleyball, and athletics. The club has over 200 registered players and offers a range of sports, cultural, and social programs to foster community integration and support men and women athletes in local and international championships.