CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The two-time defending gold medal Team USA men's wheelchair basketball team is in Charlotte this weekend, tuning up for the Paralympic Games in Paris later this summer.
The team, which is part of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, is playing a series of games against Australia, which is also qualified for the games.
The contests are held at Queens University and are free and open to the public.
The Aussies took Thursday night's matchup, but the United States bounced back for a big win on Friday.
"It allows us to test our game and who we are against other teams," player Jake Williams said.
The squads will square off again Saturday at 6:30 p.m., and on Sunday at 9 a.m.
Afterwards, fans of all ages have a chance to meet the athletes and get pictures and autographs.
"It's awesome," Brian Bell said. "I love giving back as much as I can. Giving my feedback and my experiences that I grew up going through to the next generation. Because I want future Paralympians to learn from my past and what I've accomplished.
Team USA hopes to become the first men's Paralympic basketball team to win gold three times in a row.
The Paralympic Games are Aug. 28-September 8 in Paris.
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