The annual BC Wheelchair Basketball Jr. Challenge Festival was held at the Fortius Sport & Health in Burnaby on January 24 & 25. More than 25 athletes and 9 coaches from across BC got together and worked on wheelchair basketball skills over the weekend.Canada Games Team BC athletes also attended the festival to prepare for the Canada Winter Games coming up in February.
The event included not only on-court basketball sessions but also a cross training session (wheelchair tennis provided by BC Wheelchair Sports Association) and off-court sessions such as LTAD (Long Term Athlete Development) educational session.
A parents/guardinas LTAD session and Q and A session were also held during the event. BCWBS and BCWSA staff shared the information on the athlete passways, their organzaitons, other sports opportunities, etc. with the parents while the parents asked questions and shared their stories among the group.
All the athletes pushed hard in a fun but challenging environment with the support from the coaches throughout the weekend. Everyone worked together and encouraged each other to develop their skills.Most of the participants also stayed at the Fortius lodge that allowed them to share more time together with their peers and work on their independence away from their families.
Eight individuals were selected for the festival awards at the closing ceremony. The Canada Games team was also introduced to everyone in the gym and Sian Blyth, BCWBS Executive Director, wished the team a good luck.
Big thanks to our supporter Wheelchair Basketball Canada, Panago Pizza, Tourism Burnaby, and Fortius Sport & Health. Thanks also go to our volunteer coaches and family members of the athletes for supporting our players and the sport.
<Festival Award Winners>
#1 Hustle Award – Matthew Norris (Maple Ridge)
Best Fundamentals – Ashley Griffith (Victoria) & Alysia Joinson (Victoria)
Leadership award – Tanner Jung (Langley)
Top Learner – Erica Thomas Schulenburg (Fort St. John) & Greg Smart (Maple Ridge)
True Sport Awards – Nathan Willms (Chilliwack) & Nick Blundell (Crofton)
For more event photos, please visit our Facebook page.
