Table 2 Supporting Quotes about Participants’ Experiences

Physical and psychological health

“It enhanced my body strength as well. When the receiving team wins every rally, it gains the right to serve and rotates before actually serving … This rotation movement is even more tiresome than serving and smashing a ball. It strained my arms more than wheel-chairing did. This type of lateral movement, through the use of different muscles, strengthened my arms over time. “

M4

“We are limited by our disabilities to do many things such as running. SLVB gives us an opportunity to do aerobic exercise. It is also good for improving our reaction time.”

F2

“I feel more energetic. Besides, I slept well after playing SLVB. Yes. I think it has improved the quality of my sleep.”

F3

Enjoyment

“I would tell them that SLVB is something I never came across before. Playing SLVB is very joyful and sort of doing exercise. I seldom did exercise before I retired.”

F2

“In general, I found SLVB fun-full to play with.”

F4

Novelty

“It was new to me. I never did it before.”

F2

“I have done other exercises for at least 3 years. I never did SLVB. That is why I want to try.”

F2

“I want to know what SLVB is about. I want to do more exercise for a healthy and strong body.”

M3

Competence

“As a matter of fact, I am a fan of VB. Have you ever heard of Lang Ping? I like to watch her playing VB. I know the rules of the games. However, I have never played VB because of my disabilities and body weight. Thanks to the project, I am able to play SLVB.”

F1

“I feel happier because I can make it. I can play!”

F4

Autonomy

“Suitable. For instance, some players can do SLVB with just one hand. Despite our walking impairments, we are able to play SLVB in a sitting position. I do not know how to operate and control a wheelchair. I fear of falling if playing SLVB on a wheelchair. Playing in a sitting position fits me very much.”

F2

Socialization and teamwork

“I felt quite happy to play and practice passing the ball in a small group … ... I am happy to know a few new friends too.”

F2

“Absolutely, we played hard to win as a team. We cheered to each other whenever scoring a point. We were very happy as a team. It is awesome.”

F1

“To me, SLVB is playful. It cultivates team spirit and demands cooperation of each member ….”

M3

“SLVB provides us with a chance to move around, stretch our muscles, enable communication within the team, learn how to interact with each other, and to follow instructions from the coaches. There are many advantages ….”

M3

Social support

“I didn’t tell others except for my old friends. They said that wow, you were awesome!”.

F2

“Yes, they (family members) were very supportive. They said that it was good for me to go out and play more. They told me not to stay at home alone.”

F2

“I felt that I have become more proactive than before (in knowing friends and social interactions).”

F2

“I didn’t hear any objection. Both my family and daughter were supportive.”

F3

Perceived sport venue environment

“The playground is big and the indoor environment is ok.”

F1

Venue accessibility

“It is quite convenient to come here by train (Kowloon MTR station) and bus. Furthermore, there is a public car park at the entrance. However, the steep roads leading to the sportsground are not convenient for wheelchair users.”

M3

“Given my mobility, I can manage to off-load or up-load my wheelchair even though the parking lot is a bit narrow. No big deal.”

M2

Safety

“As I have walking impairment on one leg only, one side of my buttock is bigger than the other. As a result, I need to balance myself with one hand while sitting on the floor. This explained why I seldom use two but mostly one hand to receive the ball. Otherwise, I would lose my balance and fall backward. Besides, I could not bend my legs while sitting on the floor. That’s why my legs would cramp sometimes.”

F2

“SLVB is not that risky. The risk of falling down could be higher if we played while standing up. While sitting on the floor, the risk of falling and hurting our hands is lower. The risk could be lowered by wearing elbow-supporters. The only potential risk is that our legs are powerless. Some team members suffered from abrasion while dragging or moving their legs on the floor.”

F1

Dissemination of information

“Some players may disagree with setting up a WhatsApp group because they don’t like to receive irrelevant personal messages. However, I think that the Group should only be used by the responsible party to disseminate relevant information such as change in venue, training schedule, etc. One message will then be sent to all.”

F2

Resources allocation by the government

“Unlike wheelchair rugby and basketball, SLVB is played without a tailor-made wheelchair and in a sitting position. As such, I think it is ok and worthy of promoting SLVB as long as a sportsground is available.”

M3