Important Information for Division 1 Wheelchair Basketball Players

BC Wheelchair Basketball Society has released some very important information for athletes planning on playing in Division 1. The deadline to apply to compete in the league is September 3rd. Following the High Performance Coaching Committee meeting, the teams will be selected, posted on the BCWBS website and emailed to the applicants by September 13th.

To sign up now, please download the following documents and submit them to Makiko Harada at makiko@bcwbs.ca

Division 1 Overview document: download
Division 1 Application: download

Tentative Division 1 Wheelchair Basketball League Tournament Dates

Sept 20 - 22: High Performance Camp at Douglas College New West and Trinity Western
Oct 19-20: Western Conference Weekend at Trinity Western University
Jan 11-12: High Performance Camp Weekend at Pinetree Coquitlam
Jan 25-26: D1/D2 Tournament at Pinetree Coquitlam
March 7-9: BC Finals at PISE in Victoria
TBD: CWBL Open Finals

Note: another High Performance Camp may be schedule in February.

If you have any questions, please contact Makiko Harada at makiko@bcwbs.ca or by calling 604-333-3530

Treat Your Teen To Some Tennis Fun This Summer

Is your teen looking to add some physical activity to his or her summer vacation? Why not check out the new teen wheelchair tennis program at Fraser Heights Recreation Centre? For one week from Aug. 26-30, your teen will learn the basics of this fast-paced Paralympic sport in a fun, safe manner. No experience is necessary and all equipment is provided.

What: Teen Wheelchair Tennis Program
When: August 26-30, 3 pm - 4 pm
Where: Fraser Heights Recreation Center, Surrey
Cost: $35.25 for five sessions
Age: 13-18 years

To register:
By phone: 604-501-5100
WebReg: www.surrey.ca/register
In person: visit any Surrey Parks, Recreation & Culture facility

For more information, contact Ross MacDonald at 604-502-6321 or rmacdonald@surrey.ca

New Wheelchair Basketball Program To Be Offered in Port Moody

You don't have to be an expert to play in the Port Moody Wheelchair Basketball Program! Bring your enthusiasm and we'll provide the rest!

Whatever your age, disability or experience level, here's a great opportunity to play wheelchair basketball this Fall. The Port Moody Recreation Center and BCWBS will be offering a joint wheelchair basketball program at the Port Moody Rec Center starting September 16th. This program will take the place of the Tim Frick City League, which is currently looking for a new home for the Fall season.

 

Port Moody Wheelchair Basketball Program

Port Moody Recreation Centre – 300 Ioco Road, Port Moody

Session 1:            Mondays, Sept 16 – Oct 28 (6 sessions)

Session 2:            Mondays, Nov 4 – Dec 16 (6 sessions)

Registration:      Please register with the City

Registration Fee:              $60/6 session

The program includes skill development led by a coach and games with a referee.
Limited number of sport wheelchairs are available to share.

 

Please find the program info at http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=167414 (see page 31. Registration info can be found on page 1.)

 

* Please note that although this is a joint program between Port Moody and BCWBS, the registration fee does NOT include BCWBS annual membership fee.

 

BC Provincial Wheelchair Tennis Coach Steve Manley Blogs From the Cryuff Foundation USTA Americas Junior Camp

Greetings from Mission Viejo, California! Day 2 of the camp saw our 31 campers from 6 countries treated to something special.

Two guests visited the camp. David Wagner, number one quad player in the world spent time on the courts with the kids. Hitting with them while sharing his knowledge and experience with our up and coming players.

The second guess was a real treat for the campers. A chance to meet with Mr Wheelchair Tennis, Brad Parks. The campers are lucky enough to be playing at the newly renovated Marguerite Tennis Centre. The city of Mission Viejo generously donates to courts for the campers each year.
The center was renovated with accessibility the number priority. The center will host both singles and doubles wheelchair master championships this year in November.
All campers have worked hard over the last two days. The mornings have been full of drills, mobility work, forehands, backhands , serves , volleys ... You name it, the kids were doing it.

In the afternoons everyone had the chance to play in an ITF junior tournament. Competing for ranking points but more importantly gaining valuable match and tournament experience.

BC's own Tomas Bourassa, seeded #6 suffered a close three set loss in the second record.

Tomas showed real fight under the hot Californian sun, after going down 4-1 in the first set Tomas rallied to take the set 7/6. After Losing the second set, Tomas fought hard in the third set super tiebreaker but lost 10-7. Tomas has impressed the coaches with his work ethic and ability.

Tomorrow is hump day of the camp and what better way to spend it than at Universal Studios riding coasters, taking in shows and maybe seeing a few stars.

Till tomorrow!

Steve

Wheelchair Tennis' Sarah Hunter Blogs From Her European Tour

As I write I am sitting on a train enroute from Rotterdam to Salzburg. I have been away for 2.5 weeks now with 1.5 to go. Seeing my little girl on Skype reminds me of why it has been eight years since I have done a long European tour. One, sometimes two tournaments is perfect, three overseas events is now pushing the limit. The days of coming over here for eight weeks are long behind me!

Enough of the mundane chatter. I often hear from my friends and followers how great it must be going from country to country and seeing the world. Those comments are often accompanied with such things as, " I would love to trade places with you", " what an exciting life to lead". I am privileged to being living such a life, however I feel I need to quantify that, just in case you have doubts.

After arriving in Salzburg, on the top of my list of things to do was find a laundromat! I had been hand washing most of my clothes to this point but they had that hand washed feel to them and they were ready for a serious washing. I checked in to the hotel, went to my room ( third event in a row with a non-functioning air conditioner at a four star hotel), sorted my laundry, googled to find a laundromat. Off I went. I dodged traffic, often forgetting where I was and what direction I needed to look first when crossing, bumped down curbs, hopped up curbs, traveled on cobblestone ( my personal favourite, especially when a front castor catches between the stones and sends me and all of my belongings flying out of my chair), went over bridges, through what felt like a dodgy part of the city, finally arriving at my destination, the Green Clean. I was greeted by an entrance which included several steps. I dragged myself and my chair up the steps, then bummed back down to get my laundry. I was hot and tired.

Once in the Green Clean I found the washers spending several minutes looking at the machine and wondering how to operate it as it was not coin- operated. I walked around and found a central computer that operated everything. My German is not very good so this presented its challenges. After some time I figured out how the numbers on the machines corresponded with numbers on the computer screen. I put in the amount showing and hoped it was a regular wash and that whatever temperature the water was would be okay. I went through the same routine with the dryer. It was worth the effort, I was in a state of sheer bliss. There is nothing like clean clothes on an extended road trip. Now to get back to the hotel....

My bags were unpacked, clothes put away, what next? Oh yes, what time is it at home I would like to talk with my family and I need to talk with my coach. Nope, they were still sleeping. Off to the grocery store. Shopping list included fruit, vegetables, snacks and much water. Back to my room with bags in hand.

Now I was able to Skype. I am confronted with the reality of being on the road and having a family head on. My daughter asks, " Mummy when ARE you coming home?". Oh the guilt! After telling jokes playing games and chatting I say good bye. Now it is my coaches turn. She asked, Am I following my preparation plans that are newly in place for this tour? Have I got a training partner for the clay? Am I hydrating properly since Salzburg has been very, very,hot. How am I feeling?

Well, I am exhausted and I have not even hit a ball yet! I must stop myself from thinking about how I would like to be home now and direct my thoughts to this event and performing my best.

Amputee/ Minimal Disability Have a Go Day A Success

BC Wheelchair Sports Association, BC Wheelchair Basketball Society, the Bridging the Gap program and LifeMark Health hosted a successful Have a Go Day for amputees and people with other orthopedic disabilities on July 25th at the Langley Events Centre.

“This Have a Go was a great success!" said BCWSA Program Coordinator Kevin Bowie. "It’s so great to see people try out the sport chairs for the first time and experience the freedom of movement they can provide. Thank you to Jeanette at LifeMark Langley. I hope this will be the first of many Have a Go’s and the start of a great partnership.” 

Six participants tried everything from athletics to wheelchair rugby to wheelchair tennis. While there have been many Have a Go Days catering to people with spinal cord injuries, this is one of the first to target amputees and those with orthopedic disabilities, such as arthritis or ACL surgeries. Many people with these disabilities walk and so do not realize that they are eligible to play wheelchair sports.

"Many people think that you have to be in a wheelchair to play wheelchair sports, but that's not true," said BCWSA Executive Director Gail Hamamoto. "A wheelchair is just a piece of sports equipment, like a pair of skates or a bobsled. For people who have an injury or disability that makes able-bodied sports painful or difficult, wheelchair sports are an excellent option."

The event was made possible with support from ViaSport and the Province of BC.  

To check out a Facebook album of event photos, click here.

If you are an amputee or have an orthopedic disability and want to get involved in wheelchair sports, please contact:

Kevin Bowie
Program Coordinator
kevin@bcwheelchairsports.com
604-333-3520 ext. 205

Get Involved In Wheelchair Floorball

After their successful practice last Sunday, the local wheelchair floorball team is looking to expand. They've added another practice and are still recruiting participants.

Whether you've played wheelchair floorball (also called ball hockey) before or you're a beginner, now's your chance to get involved in this great summer sport. Floorball offers excellent cross-training for athletes of other sports, and is a fun, casual summer workout for beginners.

Here are the details:

Practice #1: Thursday evenings at 6 pm at Queen Elizabeth Park.

Practice #2: Sunday mornings at the North Shore Winter Club (either 10 am or 11 am).

Organizer Adam Frost says that all participants who can push a manual wheelchair are welcome. Please bring your own sports wheelchair, but if you're having trouble finding one let Adam know and he will help you out. Also, please let Adam know you're coming, so that he can ensure that he has enough sticks for everyone. The court is first-come, first-serve, so all players might have to wait for available court space.

If you have any questions, please contact Adam Frost at adam@bcwheelchairsports.com or call/text 778-772-9492.

Michelle Stillwell Wins Triple Gold at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships

Photo credit: Athletics Canada

Everything came up gold for Michelle Stilwell at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships. The Paralympian-turned-MLA won gold in all three of her events: the T52 100m, 200m and 800m. She even set a world record in the 800m!

BCWSA athlete Nathan Dewitt also participated in the event. He came 5th in the T34 Men's 200m semi-final with a time of 31.42 and 4th in the T34 Men's 100m semi-final with a time of 17.13.

Congratulations to both Michelle and Nathan for making BCWSA proud!

Try Wheelchair Floorball This Weekend

Want to try a new sport this summer? You're in luck! This Sunday (July 28th), the BC Floorball Association is hosting a wheelchair floorball practice from 10 am - noon at the North Shore Winter Club in North Vancouver. This invitation is open to people of any age, gender or disability, though you must be able to push a manual wheelchair.

Sticks will be provided, however you must bring your own wheelchair. If you are having difficulty locating a chair, please contact Adam Frost.

The address of the North Shore Winter Club is: 1324 Keith Rd, North Vancouver.

If you have any questions, please contact Adam Frost at adam@bcwheelchairsports.com or call/text 778-772-9492.

Michelle Stilwell Claims Another Gold!

Photo courtesy of CPC

Michelle Stilwell's gold-medal-winning ways continue! Michelle claimed the T52 100m gold medal today with a time of 20.45, just one day after she broke the World Record in the T52 800m. Stilwell will look to claim her third gold medal in the T52 200m race on Saturday.

Congratulations, Michelle!

Michelle Stilwell Wins Gold and Sets World Record at the IPC Athletics World Championships

Photo courtesy of the Canadian Paralympic Commitee

You'd think that becoming an MLA would have slowed this Paralympian down, but you'd be wrong! Today, Michelle Stilwell broke a World Record and won gold in the T52 800m of the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships with a blisteringly fast time of 2:14.79.

The decorated Paralympian still has two more events to go: the T52 100m on Friday and the T52 200m on Saturday.

While training for the World Championships, Stilwell took time out to talk to CBC about how she balances being an MLA, motherhood (she homeschools son Kai) and the demands of being an elite wheelchair racer. Check out the interview by clicking here.

Congratulations, Michelle! We're all cheering you on back in Canada!

Register Now for the Hawaiian Wheelchair Tennis Fun Tournament

Say aloha to wheelchair tennis at our Hawaiian Wheelchair Tennis Fun Tournament! Come dressed in your best Hawaiian attire (prizes will be awarded!) and get ready for a night of fun, food and tennis.

The action takes place Thursday, August 22nd from 7 to 9 pm at the Burnaby Tennis Courts (3890 Kensington Ave). No experience is necessary and instruction by provincial wheelchair tennis coach Steve Manley will be provided.

Your $5 registration fee includes: a chance to play wheelchair tennis in a fun environment with all equipment (including sports chair) provided, a BBQ, dessert, and prizes. This event is filling up fast, so be sure to sign up early. The registration deadline is August 15th.

To register, contact Lisa Myers at programs@bcwheelchairsports.com or by calling 604-333-3520 ext. 209.

Wheelchair Basketball Star Janet McLachlan Wins Women's Title at Stanley Park Open

(Vancouver, BC) - She's already known as one of the world's best female wheelchair basketball players. Now, Janet McLachlan (West Vancouver) is taking the wheelchair tennis world by storm after winning the women's singles of the 2013 Stanley Park Open.

McLachlan was initially down against Mexican teenager Lizbeth Soto Rivera after losing the first set 7-6. She rallied, however, to win the match 6/7, 7/5, 6/4.

"It was a fun match," she said. "Liz is a good player. We were both pretty tentative to start, but things picked up later in the match."

According to McLachlan, her experience on the basketball court translated well to the tennis court.

" The chair movement of basketball helps a great deal for tennis, but there is a lot more time to think between points," she said.

Later in the day, McLachlan narrowly lost the women's doubles titles with partner Marni Abbott-Peter after going down 6/1, 7/6 to Kirsten Sharp and Amanda Yan.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact:

Arley McNeney
Communications Coordinator
BC Wheelchair Sports Association
Cell: 778-788-9091
Email: arley@bcwheelchairsports.com

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2013 Stanley Park Open!

Thanks to Kai for the update!

The Stanley Park Open proved to be a hugely successful event for Canadian wheelchair tennis players. Six Canadian athletes took home victories throughout the various divisions of play.

Gary Luker from Ancaster (ON) won the quad division by beating Mika Ishikawa from Vancouver by 6/0 6/3.

“ I am extremely pleased with my performance the week,” said Luker. "Congrats to Mika on a great tournament. I had to play my best tennis in the second set to keep her at distance.”

National wheelchair basketball starter and newcomer to competitive wheelchair tennis Janet McLachlan from Vancouver created an upset in the women's division by narrowly beating Lizbeth Soto Rivera from Mexico by 6/7, 7/5, 6/4.

The doubles competitions were also dominated by Canadians.

Philippe Bedard (Montreal) paired up with National Development Coach Kai Schrameyer to win the men's doubles competition against the American pairing Steve Welch/Anthony Anderson 6/2 6/2. In an all-Vancouver final Amanda Yan and Kirsten Sharp narrowly edged out Marni Abbott-Peter and singles winner Janet MacLachlan by a score of 6/1 7/6.

The quad competition was easily dominated by Gary Luker and Mika Ishikawa, who beat Vancouverites Adam Frost and Ryan Schweizer in the finals 6/0 6/0.

"Many thanks to Tennis BC and BC Wheelchair Sports for putting on such a great event," said National development coach Kai Schrameyer. "This was the best Stanley Park Open to date. The level of professionalism and warm hospitality displayed by the organizers makes this event one of the best on the ITF circuit. It's great to see wheelchair tennis being part of the larger tennis community and fully integrated into the Stanley Park Open able bodied tennis tournament."

" The Stanley Park Open ranks up there with the US Open in Flushing Meadow as my favorite tournament on the tour circuit," said former world #1 and Stanley Park Open singles runner-up Steve Welch from Dallas.

Here are the final results:

Women's Doubles:

Men's Singles:

Men's Singles Consolation Round

Men's Doubles

 Women's Singles: Main Draw

Women's Doubles

Quad Doubles

 Quad Singles - Consolation Round

Quad Singles

 

The 2013 Stanley Park Open: It's Finals Time!

It's the day that wheelchair tennis fans in Vancouver have been waiting for! The final day of the 2013 Stanley Park Open will take place tomorrow, Sunday July 21st.

In quad singles, Gary Luker (CAN) will play Mika Ishikawa (CAN). Reigning champ Steve Welch (USA) will take on Takuya Miki (JPN) in what's sure to be an exciting match. In the women's singles final, teenager Lizbeth Soto Rivera (MEX) will play wheelchair basketball national team star, Janet McLachlan (CAN).

In doubles action, Mika Ishikawa and Gary Luker will compete against Adam Frost and Ryan Schweizer. In men's doubles, Philipe Bedard will partner with Kai Schraymeyer to take on the combo of Anderson and Welch. In women's doubles, Kirsten Sharp and Amanda Yan will do battle against Marni Abbott-Peter and Janet McLachlan.

The schedule will be:

First Match (Start at 9 am)
Court 1: Quad Singles Final - Gary Luker (CAN) vs. Mika Ishikawa (CAN)
Court 4: Quad Singles Consolation - Ryan Schweizer (CAN) vs. Peter Isherwood (CAN)
Court 6: Women's Singles Consolation Finals - Amanda Yan (CAN) vs. Kirsten Sharp (CAN)

Second Match: (Not before 10 am)
Court 1: Men's Singles Final: Steve Welch (USA) and Takuya Miki (JPN)
Court 3: Women's Singles Final: Lizbeth Soto Rivera (MEX) vs. Janet McLachlan (CAN)
Court 4: Quad Doubles Final: Ishikawa/Luker vs. Frost/Schweizer
Court 6: Men's Singles Consolation: Ross MacDonald (CAN) vs. Jerome Bouvier (CAN)

Final Match (Followed after suitable rest)
Court 1: Men's Doubles Final: Bedard/Schraymeyer vs. Anderson/Welch
Court 3: Women's Doubles Finals: Sharp/Yan vs Abbott-Peter/McLachlan

Today's results:

Quad consolation round:
Peter Isherwood wins over Andrew Davis 6-1 6-1
Ryan Schweizer wins over Alexis Chicoine 6-0 6-0


Quad Singles:
Gary Luker wins over Alexis Chicoine 6-0 6-0
Brad Skeats wins over Ryan Schweizer 6-2 6-0
Adam Frost wins over Peter Isherwood 6-1 6-1
Mika Ishikawa wins over Andrew Davis: 6-0 6-0

Men's Singles:
Misha Bilenky wins over Richard Peter
Steve Welch wins over Misha Bilenky 6-0 6-0
Philipe Bedard wins over Jason Botham 6-0 6-0
Carlos Muro wins over Roberto Molina 6-0, 6-1
Philipe Bedard wins over Carlos Muro 6-0 6-0
Pha Mai wins over Tomas Bourassa 6-2 6-2
Sergio Naduville wins over Ross MacDonald 6-3, 6-2
Sergio Naduville wins over Phat Mai 4-6, 5-7, 6-3
Anthony Anderson wins over Jerome Bouvier 6-1, 6-2
Takuya Miki wins over Anthony Anderson 6-1, 6-1

Breaking News: Sarah Hunter Reaches The Doubles Final at the British Open Super Series

The top seeded duo of Canadian Sarah Hunter and American partner David Wagner defeated Lucas Sithole (SA) and Jamie Burdekin (GBR) 7-5, 6-3 to advance to the doubles final at the Super Series British Open. They will face Anthony Cotteril (GBR) and Greg Hastorek (USA) in the finals. 

Go Canada!

Top Seeds Comfortably Through to Next Round at Stanley Park Open

 Thanks to Kai Schramyer for the update.

No surprises today at the Stanley Park Open ITF 3 tournament. All top seeds in the men's and quad 
 division went safely through to the semis or finals.

In the men's division top seed and defending champion Steve Welch (USA) beat local player Misha Bilenly by 6/0 6/0. Number 3 seed Takuya Mikik (Japan) held the upper hand over Anthony Anderson (USA) 6/1 6/1. Philippe Bedard from Montreal also advanced comfortably to the semi-finals by beating Mexican Carlos Soto 6/0 6/0.

The closest match was played between Sergio Naduville (MEX) and American Phat Mai. Naduville fought off two match points in the second set to win the match 4/6 5/7 6/3.

In the quad division top seeds Gary Luker (Ontario) and Mika Ishikawa (BC) had little difficulty securing their spots for Sunday's singles final. Luker beat Bard Skeats (BC) by 6/1 6/0 and Ishikawa beat Adam Frost (BC) 6/0 6/0

The women had the day off in singles and will play out their semis tomorrow. Lizbeth Soto Rivera from Mexico will face Molly Rogers (USA) and in all-BC battle Marni Abott-Peter will face Janet McLachlan.

Today's schedule will be:

First Match: (Starting at 9 am)
Court 3: Steve Welch (USA) vs. Philipe Bedard (USA)
Court 4: Ross MacDonald  (CAN) vs. Roberto Molina (ESP)
Court 5: Richard Peter (CAN) vs. Jerome Bouvier (CAN)
Court 6: Sergio Naduville (MEX) vs. Takuya Mika (JPN)

Second Match (Not before 10 am)
Court 3: Lizbeth Soto Rivera (MEX) vs. Molly Rogers (USA)
Court 4: Amanda Yan (CAN) vs. Vivian Yu (CAN)
Court 6: Marni Abbott-Peter (CAN) vs. Janet McLachlan (CAN)

Third Match (Not before 11:30)
Court 3: Miki/ Naduville vs. Bedard Schramyer
Court 4: Frost/Schweizer vs. Chicoine/Skeats
Court 6: Ishikawa/Luker vs. Davis/Isherwood

Fourth Match
Court 3: MacDonald/Peter vs. Anderson/Welch

Stanley Park Open Gets Underway

Competition got underway under blues skies today at the Stanley Park Open ITF 3 sanctioned event in Vancouver, BC. Thirty players from 7 countries competing in 4 divisions (men's, women's, Quad's and Juniors) will be battling it out until finals on Sunday for coveted ranking points and prize money.

In the men's open top seeds Steve Welch (defending champion from the USA) and Takuya Miki (Japan) were the only players not in action today. All other players competed in early round singles.

In the quads top seeds Gary Luker and Mika Ishikawa had an easy day at the office both winning their matches handily

Amanda Yan from Vancouver fought hard against top seed Lizbeth Soto Rivera in the women's draw but ultimately had to hand the victory to the teenager from Mexico.

Men's Open round of 16 results from today:
Misha Bilenky (BC) v. Richard Peter (BC) 6/2 7/5
Phat Mai (USA) v. Tomas Bourassa (BC) 6/2 6/2
Anthony Anderson (USA) v. Jerome Bouvier (BC) 6/1 6/2
Sergio Naduville (MEX) v. Ross MacDonald (BC) 6/3 6/2
Philippe Bedard (QC) Jason BOTHAM (BC) 6/0 6/0
Carlos Muro (MEX) v. Roberto Molina (ESA) 6/0 6/1


Women's 1/4 finals results:
Lizbeth SOTO RIVERA (MEX) defeats Amanda Yan (BC)
Molly Rogers (USA) defeats Jeanine MCDONALD (BC)
Marni PETER (BC) defeats Viviane YU (BC)
Janet MCLACHLAN (BC) defeats Kirsten SHARP (BC)


Quad 1/4 finals results:
Gary Luker (top seed, ON) v. Alexi Chicoine (BC) 6/0 6/0
Mika Ishikawa (BC) v. Andrew Davis (BC) 6/0 6/0
Adam Frost v. Peter Isherwood 6/1 6/2
Brad Skeats (BC) v. Ryan Schweitzer (BC) 6/2 6/0

 Tomorrow's action will be:

First Match (Starting at 8 am)
Court 3: Gary Luker (CAN) vs Brad Skeats (CAN)
Court 4: Peter Isherwood (CAN) vs Andrew Davis (CAN)
Court 5: Ryan Schweizer (CAN) vs Alexis Chicoine (CAN)
Court 6: Adam Frost (CAN) vs. Mika Ishikawa (CAN)

Second Match (Not before 9 am)
Court 4: Jason Botham (CAN) vs. Richard Peter (CAN)
Court 5: Ross MacDonald (CAN) vs Tomas Bourassa (CAN)
Court 6: Anthony Anderson (USA) vs Takuya Miki (JPN)

Third Match (10:30 am)
Court 4: Philipe Bedard (CAN) vs Roberto Molina (ESA)
Court 5: Phat Mai (USA) vs. Sergio Naduville (MEX)
Court 6: Steve Welch (USA) vs. Misha Bilenky (CAN)

Fourth Match (11:30 am)
Court 4: Sharp/Yan vs. Rogers/Yu
Court 6: Abbott-Peter/ Mclachlan vs. McDonald/Soto Rivera

Fifth Match (Not before 1 pm)
Court 4: Bouvier/Mai vs. Bedard/ Schramyeter
Court 6: Bilenky/Molina vs. MacDonald/ Peter

Sixth Match
Court 6: Bourassa/Muro vs. Anderson/Welch

Michelle Stilwell and Nathan Dewitt To Compete in 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships

Good luck to Michelle Stilwell and Nathan Dewitt, who are competing at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France from July 20 - 29th. The event will be webcast and there will be live updates.

Nathan is racing:
T34 Semi Final 200m (Sun, 21.07.2013 18:11 (9:11am PST)
*T34 Final 200m (Mon, 22.07.2013 18:33 (9:33am PST)
T34 Final 100m (Tues, 23.07.2013 19:45 (10:45am PST)

Michelle is racing:
T52 Final 100m (Fri, 26.07.2013 18:06 (9:06amPST) – 19:08pm medals (10:08am PST))
T52 Final 200M (Sat, 27.07.2013 16:12 (7:12am PST) – 17:32pm medals (8:32am PST))
T52 Final 800M (Wed, 24.07.2013 09:51 (12:51am PST) – 11:22am medals (2:22am PST)

Live Stream
http://www.worlds2013.athletics.ca/live-stream.php

Full schedule
http://www.worlds2013.athletics.ca/news.php?id=71

BCWSA Athletes Compete at 2013 BC Track & Field Championships Jamboree

Good luck to the BCWSA athletes competing in the 2013 BC Track & Field Championships Jamboree this weekend!  The Kamloops Track & Field Club, Hillside Stadium and the City and Community of Kamloops will welcome over 500 athletes plus coaches, officials, volunteers and families to the 2013 BC Track & Field Championships Jamboree. The BC Athletics Championships brings together the best from BC and neighbouring states and province/territories.

Among the athletes competing at the event are those competing in the 2013 Canada Summer Games, including:

• Tristan Smyth – wheelchair racing
• Eddy Solla – wheelchair racing
• Djami Diallo – wheelchair racing
• Jessye Brockway – para-throws
• Colin Morrow – para-throws

See the Championship Schedule at: http://kamloopstrackandfield.ca/docs/jamboree_final_schedule.pdf

Championship Event Entrants/Start Lists at: http://www.trackie.com/online-registration/entries.php?event_viewing_id=999999&id=888

BCWBS and BCWSA Congratulate Wheelchair Basketball Canada On Appointment of Mike Frogley to Wheelchair Basketball Canada Academy

BC Wheelchair Basketball Association and BC Wheelchair Sports Association congratulate Wheelchair Basketball Canada on taking one step further to the launch of the Wheelchair Basketball Canada Academy. Mike Frogley, one of the brightest minds in the sport, officially begins his tenure as the director of the new Academy, set to formally launch in September 2013.

“It’s really great to get on the court and begin working directly with the athletes, because at the end of the day we are tying to leverage all of resources within Wheelchair Basketball Canada to maximize the potential of all our athletes.  It’s about making them the best in the world,” said Frogley.

Beginning in September, a handpicked selection of elite Canadian wheelchair basketball athletes will train year-round at the Academy under the expert tutelage of Frogley to further their development along the high-performance pathway, with hopes of one-day representing Canada at the World Championships and Paralympic Games.Located at the University of Toronto Scarborough, the Academy will also be home to recurring training and development initiatives designed to support the growth of wheelchair basketball athletes, coaches and technical officials.

The Canadian Junior Men’s National Team will centralize at the Academy from July 28 to August 14 for a phase of rigorous training as Team Canada prepares to compete at the 2013 World Junior Championship in Turkey this September. From August 9-14, the Academy will host an athlete identification camp for select athletes with the potential to participate in the Academy program. Athletes attending the camp will have the opportunity to train and receive elite instruction from the Academy staff. The Academy will also be the backdrop to a coaching clinic from August 8-14. The clinic coincides with the athlete identification camp, allowing Canadian wheelchair basketball coaches to work with up-and-coming athletes while advancing their training within the National Coaching Certification Program.

Good Luck to All Athletes Competing in the Stanley Park Open

The Stanley Park Open kicks off today and features 32 athletes from across Canada, the USA, Mexico and more. If you want to soak up some sun, enjoy the beer garden, and cheer on the 23 local athletes participating, then this is the event for you!

Today's schedule is:

1st Match (Starting at 8 am)
Court 3: Gary Luker (CAN) vs Alexis Chicoine (CAN)
Court 4: Ryan Schweizer (CAN) vs Brad Skeats (CAN)
Court 5: Adam Frost (CAN) vs Peter Isherwood (CAN)
Court 6: Andrew Davis (CAN) vs Mika Ishikawa (CAN)

2nd Match (Not before 9 am)
Court 4: Amanda Yan (CAN) vs Lizbeth Soto Rivera (MEX)
Court 5: Molly Rogers (USA) vs. Jeanine McDonald (CAN)
Court 6: Vivian Yu (CAN) vs. Marni Abbott-Peter (CAN)

3rd Match (Not before 10 am)
Court 4: Richard Peter (CAN) vs. Misha Bilenky (CAN)
Court 5: Philipe Bedard (CAN) vs. Jason Botham (CAN)
Court 6: Janet McLachlan (CAN) vs. Kirsten Sharp (CAN)

4th Match (Not before noon)
Court 4: Carlos Muro (MEX) vs. Roberto Molina (ESA)
Court 5: Tomas Bourassa (CAN) vs. Phat Mai (USA)
Court 6: Ross MacDonald (CAN) vs. Sergia Naduville (MEX)

5th Match (Not before 1 pm)
Court 6: Jerome Bouvier (CAN) vs. Anthony Anderson (USA)

We'll keep you updated with scores and schedules, so check back here!

BCWSA Wheelchair Rugby Athlete Jess Kruger Named the Face of Lise Watier Something Sweet!

BC Wheelchair Sports Association congratulates wheelchair rugby player Jessica Kruger on winning the Lise Watier Something Sweet campaign and fulfilling her dream of becoming one of the world's first quadriplegic models.

Jessica, who plays for the BC B team and is also an English Literature student at Simon Fraser University, entered the social media contest last month. Her story sparked media attention around the world and she was featured on talk shows, on news shows and in publications such as the Huffington Post and the Vancouver Sun. The votes she received launched her into first place in the contest and she made the top 5.

This week, Jess and the other four finalists were flown to Montreal to meet the judges, indulge in a little high tea, and take part in a photo shoot. Today, Jess was declared the winner.

Congratulations to Jess for paving the way for other women with disabilities and showing that women can be both sporty and fashionable! We can't wait to see what you accomplish next!

Want to Play Some Tennis This Summer? There's Still Time!

Want to take advantage of this gorgeous summer weather and play a little wheelchair tennis? Good news: there’s still time. Our summer wheelchair tennis has been extended to include sessions on: July 11^th and 25^th, and August 1^st, 8^th, 15^th, and 22^nd.

The cost for each session is $5. Newcomers are welcome, but to ensure that we have appropriate equipment and court space for you, please contact Lisa Myers at programs@bcwheelchairsports.com or by calling 604-333-3520 ext. 209.

BCWSA Para-Throws Athlete Jessye Brockway Breaks a Canadian Record!

Congratulations to Jessye Brockway for setting a new Canadian record in the women’s F58 discus throw! Brockway, of Mill Bay, broke the previous record with a throw of 19.57 metres at the Boiling Point Track Classic in Windsor, Ontario this weekend.

Brockway was introduced to the sport at a Bridging the Gap Have a Go Day last year. Since then, she has become one of Canada’s fastest-rising para-throws athletes. She is ranked number one in Canada in Women's F58 shot put thanks to her score of 6.30 meters at the Elwood Wylie Track Meet. At the 2013 Canadian Track and Field National Championships two weeks ago, she won a gold medal in the Women’s F58 Shot Put and had the opportunity to work with top-level coaches. 

Congratulations Jessye! We can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish next!

Want to Do Some Hiking or Camping This Summer? Check out InterFit

It's shaping up to be a beautiful summer, so why not get outside and enjoy it? InterFit is hosting several hiking and camping trips for people with disabilities and has released their new schedule. They're currently recruiting both participants to attend the events and able-bodied volunteer sherpas to help people with disabilities experience the great outdoors.

Check out the schedule here.

If you're interested, contact Lenna at lenna@interfit.ca.

Register Now for the Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp

It's junior sport camp time! Registration is now open for the Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, which will take place in Cloverdale from August 6 - 9. We'll also be partnering with Easter Seals to deliver wheelchair sports at both Camp Shawnigan and Camp Squamish.

Junior Sport Camp is open to kids aged 8 to 16. Campers will be able to try a wide range of sports in a fun, safe environment taught by our experienced camp leaders. A nurse will be on hand to help with personal care.

Registration is $125. For more information, contact Kevin Bowie at kevin@bcwheelchairsports.com or 333-3520.   

To check out a video of last year's camp, click on the link below.

Amputees and Athletes with Orthopedic Injuries Now Being Recruited

Some people think that you have to use a wheelchair full time to play wheelchair sports. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Many wheelchair sports, like wheelchair basketball or wheelchair tennis, even welcome able-bodied participants.

In fact, 40% of all wheelchair basketball players in Canada are either able-bodied or have a minimal disability like multiple knee surgeries. Wheelchair sports are therefore a great alternative for those who find able-bodied sports painful or difficult because of injuries or disabilities. After all: a wheelchair is just a piece of sports equipment, like a bobsled or a pair of ice skates.

This summer, BCWSA and BCWBS are making a special effort to introduce wheelchair sports to those who walk or use crutches/canes to get around by hosting a special Have a Go Day devoted to people with these disabilities.

Have a Go Day for Amputees And People With Mobility Issues
Date: Thursday, July 25
Location: Langley Events Centre, 7888 200 Street, Langley, BC
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Contact: Kevin Bowie at Kevin@bcwheelchairsports.com or 604-333-3520

Three B.C. Athletes Named to the U23 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball National Squad

Aidan Love and Jack Kosterman will represent Canada at the U23 Men's Wheelchair Basketball World Championships

BC Wheelchair Sports Association and BC Wheelchair Basketball Association congratulate the three BC athletes named to the U23 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball squad, which will represent Canada at the U23 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in Adana, Turkey this September. Aidan Love (Victoria, BC) and Jack Kosterman (Langley, BC) were named to the team and Justin Johnson (Langley, BC) was selected as an alternate.

All three athletes are alumni of the Bridging the Gap program, which connects people with newly acquired disabilities to wheelchair sports through weekly rehabilitation programs and Have a Go events.

The selected athletes are:

Aidan Love (Victoria, BC): Originally from Whitehorse, Aidan Love acquired a spinal cord injury during a skiing accident in 2012 and discovered wheelchair basketball through the Bridging the Gap program as an in-patient at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre. After moving to Victoria to attend the University of Victoria, he began training with the local team and quickly attracted the attention of provincial and national team coaches.

 Jack Kosterman (Langley, BC): At only 14 years old, Jack Kosterman is the youngest member of Team Canada. After developing Legg-Perthes disease, which causes joint damage, Kosterman got involved in wheelchair basketball through a Have a Go Day. This sharp-shooter is one of Team Canada’s fastest-rising stars.

Justin Johnson (Langley, BC): Former elite mountain biker Justin Johnson developed a spinal cord injury in 2011 and was introduced to wheelchair basketball as an in-patient at G.F. Strong. His natural athleticism has allowed him to experience success in a short amount of time. He is an alternate to the team.

“We’re so proud of the hard work and dedication of these young athletes, who have been introduced to wheelchair sports through Bridging the Gap and are on the road to success.” said BC Wheelchair Sports Association Executive Director Gail Hamamoto. “We’ll be cheering them on this September as they try to bring home the gold for Canada!”

The newly assembled team will centralize July 22-Aug. 9 at the University of Toronto Scarborough to train for the upcoming championship. The U23 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball World Championships will be held from September 5^th to 15^th in Adana, Turkey.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Arley McNeney
Communications Coordinator
BC Wheelchair Sports Association
arley@bcwheelchairsports.com
Cell: 778-788-9091

Kelly Smith is a Tough Mudder

Photo Credit: Dmitry Gudkov

Once you start wheelchair sports, you never know where you'll end up. Case in point: Kelly Smith. Kelly is a decorated wheelchair racer who won a Paralympic silver medal, and is currently mentoring many of our up-and-coming athletes. But for this athlete, the end of his competitive racing career was just the beginning.

Not only is he an air traffic controller, but he's also become a competitive free diver. He even participates in free diving Formula 3 scooter racing, where he holds his breath and powers an underwater scooter through obstacles!

Last week, however, he gained international attention for his latest extreme sport. Along with his team, The Freak Brothers, Kelly completed a Tough Mudder. According to the Wikipedia description:

Tough Mudder is an endurance event series in which participants attempt 10–12 mile long military-style obstacle courses. Designed by British Special Forces to test mental as well as physical strength, obstacles often play off of common human fears, such as fire, water, and heights. The organizers encourage teamwork, and many obstacles are purposefully designed so as to be very difficult to complete alone.The events are untimed, but on average only 78% of entrants successfully complete the course.

Kelly's brother Kevin Bogetti-Smith shot this great video of him completing the entire course using crutches, a handcycle, and a little help from his friends. Check it out.

Marni Abbott-Peter To Be Inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

Marni was the flagbearer for the 1996 Paralympic Games

Wheelchair basketball superstar and coach Marni Abbott-Peter will be inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame.

Though many of our participants know her as a coach and mentor, Marni has had a storied career. She began as a swimmer and won four gold and one silver medal at the 1986 Para Pan American Games. After switching to wheelchair basketball in 1988, she made the national team in 1992 and won a gold medal at the Barcelona Paralympics that year. Marni has won three Paralympic gold medals and three World Championship gold medals.

Marni will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with wheelchair curler Sonja Gaudet, at a ceremony on November 1st.

For more information, click here.