The NETWORK - Summer Update
BC Athletes to Compete in London Paralympmics - Wheelchair Basketball Begins on Aug 30
Five BC athletes and one BC coach will be competing in Wheelchair Basketball at the 2012 London Paralympics which will be held on August 29 - September 9. Canadian Women won Bronze at the World Championships in 2010 and are aiming for even a better colour of the medals in London. Canadian Men won Gold at the Paralympics in 2000 and 2004, and won Silver in 2008. They have also been getting ready to bring back their third Gold medal this time. The Women's first game is against Netherlands on the 31st and Men's is against Japan on the 30th.
BCWBS is very pround to have six of our members representing our country and province in Wheelchair Basketball. Check out these athletes/coach and be sure to follow how they are doing through the Games.
Janet MacLachlan (West Vancouver - 2nd Paralympics)
Janet McLachlan has always been a very good basketball player. She played for the University of Victoria Vikes from 1995 to 2000, winning the national university championships in 1998 and 2000. She also represented Canada at the 2001 Beijing Student Games. read more...
Jessica Vliegenthart (Victoria - 1st Paralympics)
Athletes who are naturally gifted, smart, and who love what they do often find themselves on the fast track for success. This is certainly the case for Jessica Vliegenthart, whose progression in wheelchair basketball has been both impactful and rapid. read more...
Message from Jessica:
"My goal is to focus on the moment and enjoy myself as much as possible. I am excited but also really nervous heading to London."
Elisha Williams (Prince George - 1st Paralympics)
Elisha Williams has always dreamed of representing Canada at the international level for basketball. Growing up, she excelled at stand up basketball and received a full athletic scholarship to San José State University upon completion of high school. When multiple knee injuries sustained while playing stand up basketball resulted in her leaving the game, the prospect of ending her dreams was devastating. read more...
Richard Peter (Vancouver - 5th Paralympics)
Richard "Bear" Peter began playing wheelchair basketball at age 15 after a team came to his school and introduced him to wheelchair sports. He has been using a wheelchair since being injured in a bus accident at four years old. read more...
Bo Hedges (Wonowon - 2nd Paralympics)
Robert "Bo" Hedges credits mental preparation and training as the keys to his success in wheelchair basketball. Combine that tireless work ethic with his prolific shooting touch, and it’s no wonder that Hedges has proven to be a force on the basketball court at every level of competition. read more...
Marni Abbott-Peter - Coach (Vancouver - 1st Paralympics as a coach, 5-time Paralympian)
Marni Abbott-Peters was introduced to wheelchair sports by Rick Hansen. She started her Paralympic athletic career originally in the pool, and found great success winning four gold and one silver in swimming at the 1986 Pan American Games. read more...
Message from Marni:
"I am super excited about attending my first Paralympics Games as a Coach. I am thrilled to be working with such a talented, motivated group of women. The team is very fit physically and well prepared both technically and tactically, I am confident that we will have a peak performance in London. I am really looking forward to my favorite moment of any games when Team Canada all walk in together at the Opening Ceremonies, and experiencing that almost indescribable feeling of pride, joy and excitement!"
(the profiles are from Wheelchair Basketball Canada website)
Where to Follow our Teams and Athletes?
Wheelchair Basketball Canada Website: Great place to follow Team Canada updates. The page also includes cool video series such as "London Calling" and "Coach's Clipboard with Tim Frick" and a lot more!
London 2012 Website: London Paralympics Official Website. Overall schedule and results can be found here.
Canadian Paralympic Committee Website: If you also want to follow how Canadians are doing in other sports...
Socieal Media to Follow:
Twitter - @wcbballcanada, @CDNParalympics
Facebook - Wheelchair Basketball Canada, Canadian Paralympic Committee
Online Streaming:
Wheelchair Basketball will be covered online throughout the competition. You can access the online stream from www.paralympic.ca, www.ctvparalympics.ca and www.rdsolympiques.ca. Find out more...
GO CANADA!!!
OTHER NEWS
We Want You to Like Us on Facebook!
Like us on Facebook for your chance to WIN your choice of a gift card ($75 value)! read more...
Happy Retirement Kathy Newman!!!
It is with mixed emotions that we say farewell to Kathy Newman as Executive Director of the BC Wheelchair Sports Association. Kathy will be taking her first steps into retirement this Friday, August 24th and we wish her and her husband Gordon the best of times ahead. Gail Hamamoto will assume the role of BCWSA Executive Director.
Since 1981, Kathy has worked to transform the BC Wheelchair Sports Association into a world leader in wheelchair sports as shown through the creation of the innovative Bridging the Gap program and hosting of the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships. Kathy has also proved to be a constant pillar of support for the BC Wheelchair Basketball Society. Her guidance and leadership will be missed by our staff, board and community of athletes, coaches and officials, but we trust she will not stray too far and continue to be our number one fan. Look for Kathy in the stands at the London Paralympics cheering on Team Canada. We will all miss you Kathy!
2012 BCWBS Junior Basketball Camp held on Aug 4-5
BCWBS had a great turn out to our annual Junior Wheelchair Basketball camp at Douglas College in New Westminster, BC on Aug 4-5. We had 19 Athletes from across the province, come together for the long weekend to learn some Wheelchair Basketball skills. read more...
UPCOMING EVENTS
Paralympics Opening Ceremoney Viewing Party at Ceili's
Can't be in London but still want to share the excitement of the world's biggest para-sport event? Come out to Ceili's in Richmond and cheer on our BC athletes and fellow Canadian Paralympians as they kick off their competitions in London. read more...
All Comers Wheelchair Basketball Festival
All Comer Festival is back! Join us at this fun event for all at Dougals College on Saturday, September 15! Ideal for new & developing players. NO experience necessary! Find out more...
Tim Frick Fall City League - Don't Miss the Early Bird Registration Deadline!
Tim Frick Fall City League is starting up on September 16. Register now so that you can secure your spot in the league! Find out more...
Keep you eye on our website for more information coming up for our fall programs/events
DONATE NOW
BC Wheelchair Basketball Society is a non-profit organization and registered charity. To that extent many of our services are made possible only by the generousity of individuals who donate to our cause.
If you would like to make a donation, visit Canada Helps.
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