(Ottawa, ON) The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) has announced the ten countries that will participate in the inaugural Women’s U25 World Wheelchair Basketball Championships being held at Brock University situated in St. Catharines, Ontario, July 15-23, 2011.
Maureen Orchard, President of IWBF, recently visited Brock University for a site visit. She met with the local organizing committee and officials from Wheelchair Basketball Canada who is the official host of the championship. Teams will come from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, South Africa and the United States.
“I am very excited about the fact that there are ten countries sending teams to the event. We have countries from all four zones of IWBF. When Canada hosted the firstUnder 23 Men’s World Championship in 1997 we started with seven teams from three of the zones. So I am very proud to see the commitment from our members to support the women in this way,” said Orchard.
“It is truly remarkable to witness the growth and development of our sport in Canada and around the world. We are particularly proud to host this inaugural event for young female wheelchairbasketball athletes and look forward to showcasing their talents, said Wendy Gittens, Executive Director of Wheelchair Basketball Canada.
Gittens confirmed that the dates of the Championship are July 15 – 23, 2011 with teams arriving on the 13 to practice and to be classified. She mentioned that Wheelchair Basketball Canada is looking forward to working with IWBF to host clinics and to use this event to heighten the awareness of women through a series of events around the Championship. There will be more information about these events in the coming months.
“Along with our hosting partners Brock University and the Niagara Sport Commission we look forward to hosting a world-class competition and encourage all participants to experience the beauty and accessibility of the surrounding Niagara Region,” said Gittens.
About Wheelchair Basketball Canada
Wheelchair Basketball Canada is the national sports governing body responsible for the organization of wheelchair basketball in Canada. It is a non-profit, charitable organization that is the Canadianmember to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF).
Wheelchair basketball is a fast paced, hard-hitting, competitive sport that has emerged as one of the most competitive and athletic sports played at the Paralympic Games. Our senior national teams are held in high esteem around the world for the elite skill and control that placed them on the podium with a combined five gold and one silver medal in the last four Paralympic Games. Visit: www.wheelchairbasketball.ca for more information.
For further information, please contact:
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Jody Kingsbury Communications, Wheelchair Basketball Canada (613) 260-1296 ext. 204 |
Jeff Sinibaldi Media Relations, Brock University (905) 688-5550 ext. 4687 |
Scott McRoberts Director Niagara Sport Commission (905) 354-5557 |
On
the web: wheelchairbasketball.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/wheelchairbasketball
Twitter: twitter.com/WCBballCanada
YouTube: youtube.com/WheelchairBball
