Manuel Rodríguez Navarro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Personal information |
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|---|---|
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Sport | |
| Country |  Spain |
| Sport | Wheelchair basketball |
Manuel Rodriguez Navarro is a skilled wheelchair basketball player from Spain. He was born on January 8, 1969, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Manuel is known for his dedication to the sport. He has a physical disability, which means he plays wheelchair basketball. He is classified as a 4-point player in the sport. He proudly represented Spain at the 1996 Summer Paralympics, where his team achieved an impressive fourth-place finish.
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Manuel Rodriguez Navarro is a Spanish athlete who has made a name for himself in wheelchair basketball. This sport allows people with physical disabilities to compete in a fast-paced team game. Manuel's journey in sports shows how hard work and determination can lead to great achievements.
Getting Started in Wheelchair Basketball
Manuel was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a city in Spain. From a young age, he developed a passion for sports. Wheelchair basketball became his main focus. This sport is played by athletes who use wheelchairs. It follows many of the same rules as regular basketball, but with some exciting differences.
Competing at the Paralympics
One of the biggest moments in Manuel's career was competing in the 1996 Summer Paralympics. These games are a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. They are held every four years, just like the Olympic Games. In 1996, the Paralympics took place in Atlanta, USA.
Manuel was part of the Spanish wheelchair basketball team. They trained hard and played against some of the best teams in the world. His team showed great teamwork and skill. They managed to reach the semi-finals, finishing in fourth place overall. This was a fantastic achievement for the team and for Spain.
Understanding Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair basketball is an exciting sport that requires speed, strength, and strategy. Players use special sports wheelchairs that are designed for quick turns and impacts. The game is played on a standard basketball court with the same hoop height.
One unique part of wheelchair basketball is the player classification system. Athletes are given a "point" value based on their physical ability. These points range from 1.0 (most severe disability) to 4.5 (least severe disability). A team on the court cannot have a total point value higher than 14. Manuel is a 4-point player, meaning he has a higher level of function compared to some other players. This system ensures fair competition among teams.
