Volunteer for Canada Cup!

We are currently seeking volunteers for the Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament. 

We are currently accepting applications for volunteers in all areas:

• Transportation services
• Communications
• Merchandise sales
• Information services
• Translators for teams
• Food services
• Ceremonies support
• Tournament office support
• And much more…
  

To sign up, please fill out our online volunteer form here. Thank you for your assistance!

Come Out Tonight to Watch Wheelchair Rugby Tonight at the Richmond Olympic Oval - 6 pm

Take a Short Survey About Mental Toughness in Athletes With a Disability

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE MENTAL TOUGHNESS OF ATHLETES WITH A DISABILITY?  

Not much...

That's why we are asking you to complete the SHORT online questionnaire on mental toughness if you are 16 years of age or older.

All it takes is 10-15 minutes and you are advancing research in disability sport.

Please follow the link below to participate in this study- it only takes a few minutes and your time is greatly appreciated.

http://uwindsor.fluidsurveys.com/s/ImageryMT/

BC Wheelchair Sports Association Is Hiring 4 Regional Coordinators

 BC Wheelchair Sports (BCWSA) and BC Wheelchair Basketball (BCWBS) are seeking individuals for four part-time Regional Coordinator positions. Three of these positions (Okanagan/Interior, Vancouver Island, and Northern BC) are offered as a partnership between BCWSA and BCWBS. The Lower Mainland position is only for BCWSA. Programs responsibilities will include: “Bridging the Gap” program for BCWSA, “Let’s Play” program for BCWBS, wheelchair loan program, special events, and other programs as required. The successful candidates will report to the BCWSA Program Managers, Executive Director and BCWBS Managing Director. 

These positions are being funded through the Neil Squire Society Working Together program and more information about the program can be found at http://goo.gl/tfumyo.  Positions
Key Responsibility Areas	 Support program delivery in the regions in collaboration with existing clubs   Implement “Let’s Play” and “Bridging the Gap” initiatives in the region to support sustainable recruitment and development programs. This will include the organization of promotions, facilities, clinics, introductory programs, leaders, equipment for the programs.   Enhance current partnerships and create new partnerships in the region   Identify and actively pursue new sources of revenue for programming, equipment and personnel   Lead monthly regional conference calls   Report to and liaise with BCWSA and BCWBS   Represent BCWSA at community events and networking opportunities.   General administration duties related to the position
Qualifications & Experience	 Applicant must meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the Working Together Program, including:   Have a physical or sensory disability   Are unemployed (or working under 20 hours per week) and want to return to work   Are legally entitled to work in Canada   Are not currently receiving EI and have not collected EI within the last three years   Public speaking experience is an asset   Are able to work efficiently, independently and be able to multi-task   Are willing to have a criminal record check   Must be available to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends   Knowledge and experience with the sport system is an asset   Excellent communication skills – verbal and written   Must have an outgoing personality and ability to network   Knowledge in computers including Word, Excel, and Access
Hours	 18.75 hrs/week
Deadline for application	 May 28, 2014
Start Date  End Date	 June 2, 2014   March 31, 2015 (with opportunity for extension)

To apply, please contact gail@bcwheelchairsports.com

BC Wheelchair Rugby League Hosts First-Ever Provincial Championships

(Victoria, BC) – The Victoria Wheelchair Rugby Team claimed the first-ever provincial title at the 2014 BC Wheelchair Rugby League Championships this weekend at the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence.

The final standings were:
Victoria – 11 points
Vancouver – 8 points
Squamish – 4 points
Kelowna KO’s – 1 point

The BC Provincial Wheelchair Rugby League is a new initiative aimed at providing the province’s up-and-coming athletes with competitive opportunities. Beginning and ‘active for life’ athletes have the chance to experience meaningful competition in club team environment, while national team athletes provide support as mentors and coaches.

“This league has been nine years in the making, but thanks to some amazing regional volunteers and the support of the players, we’ve finally been able to make it a reality,” said BC Wheelchair Sports Association Program Manager Kevin Bowie. “It’s fantastic to say that we’ve finally hosted our first-ever provincial championships!”

The BC Wheelchair Rugby League was developed by Bowie and BC provincial coach Adam Frost. It is supported by the BC Wheelchair Sports Association, the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association Podium Club, and the BC Wheelchair Rugby Association.

Who's Ready for Wheelchair Tennis Season?

The 2014 season is quickly approaching and we wanted to let you know about the wheelchair tennis opportunities this year: 

1.    Tennis BC Summer Series We have been working closely with Tennis BC to have wheelchair tennis included in their summer series this year.  To ensure opportunities in the future, lets show them the effort has been worthwhile by having strong participation at the Coquitlam and Burnaby Open.  A membership to Tennis BC is needed to register for these tournaments. (Contact Alex to get these documents).


 Coquitlam Open
When: April 30 – May 5
Location: Coquitlam Tennis Club (1240 Pipeline Road)
Wheelchair Divisions Offered: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Quad Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Quad Doubles.  ** Any divisions without enough people when registration is closed will be folded. 
Registration: Online at http://goo.gl/ouSQQ0
Registration Deadline: April 25 at 5pm PST 

Burnaby Open
When: June 28-July 6
Location: Burnaby Tennis Club (3890 Kensington Ave)
Wheelchair Divisions Offered: 2 divisions to be determined
Registration: Opens the end of May 

2.    BCWSA Summer Tennis League 
When: Thursday Nights 7pm-9pm May 15 – June 26
Location: Burnaby Tennis Club (3890 Kensington Ave)
Registration: Open Now – Registration is attached
Registration Fee: $30 BCWSA Members, $40 for Non-Members 

3.    Stanley Park Open (name may change due to location change)**Please note: there has been a change in venue for the previously held ITF 3 Stanley Park Open wheelchair tennis tournament. The tournament will be held this year at the Kitsilano Beach courts in Vancouver and will been re-named) 
When: Tournament dates: July 17-20th 
Location: Kitsilano Beach Courts, corner of Cornwall and Arbutus streets, Vancouver, B.C.**More details will be provided in the coming months

 4.    BCWSA Summer Tennis Drop-in 
When: Thursday Nights 7pm-9pm July 10 – August 28
Location: Burnaby Tennis Club (3890 Kensington Ave)
Registration Fee: $5 per drop-in**beginners session offered on select nights 


 Please contact Alex if you have any questions:
 Alex WilsonProgram CoordinatorBC Wheelchair Sports Association780 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver BC, V6P 5Y7Phone: (604) 333-3520, ext. 208coordinator@bcwheelchairsports.com

Register Now for the Spring Athletics Clinic

The sun is finally out and you know what that means...track season! Whether you just want to shake off the rust or you want to try wheelchair athletics for the first time, register now for our Spring Athletics Clinic. BCWSA provides all the equipment and instruction.

When: April 12 - 13. 9:30 - 4 pm on Saturday and 9 am - 3pm on Sunday.
Where: BC Wheelchair Sports Association office on Saturday and Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam on Sunday
Registration fee: $10 per day.

Subsidies are available for out-of-town athletes.

To download a registration form, click here.

For more information or to register, contact:
James Hustvedt at 604-616-7106 or james@bcwheelchairsports.com
Alex Wilson at 604-333-3520 ext. 208 or coordinator@bcwheelchairsports.com

Take this study on Exoskeleton/Wheelchair Hybrids

St. Paddy's Day Fun Abounds at Theme St. Patrick's Day Wheelchair Tennis Fun Day

Eight players of all levels participated in BCWSA’s second annual wheelchair tennis St.Patrick's Fun Day this Saturday, March 15 at the Delta Town & Country Inn Tennis Courts. The participants played out a doubles tournament and enjoyed pizza and beverages as well as Irish music. 

As you can see, the participants showed that sometimes it's easy being green! You won't want to miss the photos from this colourful event. Click here to see them. 

Check Out the Science World "Speed, Sail and Soar" Event at Science World!

BCWSA is proud to be a part of the “Speed, Sail and Soar” event at Science World for Spring Break on March 22 and 23 from 11am to 5pm.  Come out to play some mini games in our sports wheelchairs, try a track chair on rollers, and meet with athletes and volunteers to get all your questions about wheelchair sports answered. 

 On March 22, Jessica Kruger and Peter Isherwood will be on the main stage at 2:20pm discussing wheelchair rugby.    

BC Wins Vancouver Invitational Wheelchair Rugby Tournament For First Time in The Event’s History

(Richmond, BC) – For the first time in the event’s 15-year history, BC has won the Vancouver Invitational Wheelchair Rugby Tournament. In front of a packed crowd Sunday afternoon at the Richmond Olympic Oval, BC claimed a 56-53 victory over the Ontario Thunder.

“We lost to the Thunder by 15 points in the round-robins, so it’s great to be able to come back and play the kind of wheelchair rugby we’re capable of playing,” said BC Head Coach Adam Frost. “I’m glad we’ve finally broken the 15-year curse and won Vancouver Invitational.”

BC had to rely on both mental and physical toughness to even make it to the gold medal game. After a key player was injured, BC lost 51-34 to Ontario. In the semi-finals, they overcame a three-point deficit thanks to steals from Ian Chan and scored the winning goal with less than a second on the clock.

For his incredible leadership effort, Richmond’s Ian Chan was named tournament MVP.

“Ian had an outstanding tournament. His court sense and his ability to force turnovers is second to none,” said Frost.

Chan was not the only British Columbian honoured with an All Star Award. Duncan Campbell, who invented wheelchair rugby 37 years ago and still plays today, was named Most Clutch.

Other award winners include:

Best Picker: Patrice Simard
Most Heart: Cody Caldwell

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

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

Check out the 15th Annual Vancouver Invitational Wheelchair Rugby Tournament

The best wheelchair rugby clubs in North America will compete this weekend at the 15^thAnnual Vancouver Invitational Wheelchair Rugby Tournament at the Richmond Olympic Oval.

Among the athletes competing at this year’s Vancouver Invitational will be:

•  BC athletes Ian Chan (Richmond, BC), Trevor Hirschfield (Parksville, BC) and Travis Murao (Richmond, BC), who won silver at the London 2012 Paralympics.
• Jessica Kruger (Coquitlam, BC), who became one of the world’s first quadriplegic models when she won a contest to become the face of Lise Watier’s Something Sweet perfume.
• Duncan Campbell (Vancouver, BC), who is one of the co-inventors of wheelchair rugby.
• A record number of female athletes. Wheelchair rugby is a co-ed sport and participation of female athletes is increasingly significantly. This year five women, including three in the A Division, will participate.

“The Vancouver Invitational should be a lot of fun for fans,” said Vancouver Invitational Tournament Chair Kevin Bowie. “Our beer garden will be up and running and we’ve got some of the best wheelchair rugby players in the world. It’s a great way to spend a weekend.”

The Vancouver Invitational Wheelchair Rugby Tournament will take place from March 14-16. Entry is by donation and all funds will be used to help BC Wheelchair Sports Association introduce more people with disabilities to wheelchair sports. The Vancouver Invitational is supported by Hosting BC, the Province of BC, ViaSport and Richmond Sport Hosting.

The Vancouver Invitational won’t be the only time that wheelchair rugby comes to the Richmond Oval this year. From June 19-21, the former Olympic venue will host the 2014 Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, which will welcome 10 of the top teams in the world.

To see schedules and rosters, please visit www.wcrugby.com.

Sports and Day Wheelchairs For Sale

One of our members is selling four sports/day wheelchairs.

For more information, please email arley@bcwheelchairsports.com.

Kelowna Wheelchair Rugby Club and UBCO Kinesiology Department Present a Para-Sport Demo

The Kelowna Wheelchair Rugby Club and the UBCO Kinesiology Department will join forces to showcase several para-sports at a special demo on Thursday March 6th from 1:30 until 4 pm at UBCO (south gym). This event will be a unique interactive opportunity for athletes with a disability, friends, volunteers, students, and practitioners  to expand the knowledge base  within the rehab and sports world in the Okanagan.

All members of the community - whether able-bodied  or disabled - are invited to ask questions about and then try wheelchair rugby. All equipment will be provided, and participation  is totally free.

Wheelchair rugby is a full-contact sport for men and women of all ages. It is a sport for people who have functional impairment in at least 3 limbs, though in smaller communities athletes with paraplegia may be allowed to participate. Athletes train and compete in custom  designed "MadMax-like" wheelchairs and score points  by carrying a ball over a goal line. This Paraplympic
medal sport was made famous by the 2005  documentary "Murderball" and was started in Manitoba in
1977 by Canadians still involved in the sport.

Kelowna KOs take pride in acknowledging sponsors such as Canadian Paralympic Committee, BCWSA, BC Rehab, ViaSport and the Province of British Columbia, Pacific Sport, Own the Podium Program, and local sponsors Hybrid Elevator, Doak Shirreff, School District 23, Boilermakers 359, City of Kelowna, Parkinson Rec Centre, Spinal Cord Injury BC, and our individual sponsors reaching as far as Singapore.

For more information please contact Colleen Bryant at  cobryant@telus.net or 250-808-2955.

Study Participants Needed

For What?

¨   A research study investigating the participation of youth athletes with physical disabilities in sport.

¨   1-hour interviews will be conducted with each participant

Who is eligible?

¨   Families who have members who are:

o  An athlete with a physical disability (age 12-18)

o  An older, able-bodied sibling of the athlete (no more than 5 years older)

o  At least one parent of the athlete with the physical disability

How do I get involved?

¨   Contact Natalie Lambert at lambernd@mcmaster.ca

  

COMPENSATION IS PROVIDED

Want to Coach Para-Athletics? Here's Your Chance!

If you want to give back to your community as a para-athletics coach or learn more about club coach throws, para-throws or wheelchair racing, register now for the Para-Athletics NCCP Course. The course will take place from March 7 - 9th at the Minoru Park Stadium and Brighouse Park Meeting Room in Richmond.

 BCWSA coach James Hustvedt is teaching the wheelchair racing component and former national team coach Ken Hall is teaching the Para-Throws component. Interested coaches can register for the entire course to work towards a Club Coach certification or just the Saturday and Sunday morning for the para-sport specific instruction.  

For more info, click here or contact jennifer.schutz@bcathletics.org or 604-333-3558

 

You're Invited to the Richmond Olympic Oval's Exclusive Use Track

You are invited to an Open House for the Richmond Olympic Oval’s Exclusive Use Track program!  The Open House will allow you to train for sprints, hurdles, high jump and shot put in the Lower Mainland's only indoor training environment dedicated to high performance athletics. Coaches are welcome to supervise their athletes' full session and take advantage of world class equipment, including weight training facilities, over the cold winter months.  Date: Tuesday, February 18th, 2014  Time: 4pm-8pm  Facility/Activities: 4pm-7pm: 110m for sprints, hurdles, etc  6pm-7pm: Court 9 and Court 10 for throws, jumps, etc  7pm-8pm: High Performance Center for strength and conditioning training  ** For more information around Para-Throws and Para-Athletics contact Lisa Myers**  Program Coordinator with BC Wheelchair Sports  lisa@bcwheelchairsports.com, 604-333-3520, ext. 209

  

Register Now for the Winter Athletics Clinic

Get ready for the upcoming athletics season (or discover a whole new sport) at our Winter Athletics Clinic. BC Wheelchair Sports Association and the WC Race Series are partnering to create this fun, multi-sport event that will help athletes shake off the rust and get ready for the start of the season. The clinic is appropriate for beginners, intermediate and advanced athletics participants.

When:
Saturday, Feb 22:
9:30 am - 4 pm: Sessions at BC Wheelchair Sports Association
12 pm - 4pm: Para-throws at the Richmond Olympic Oval

Sunday, Feb. 23
9:30 am - 2:30 pm: Sessions at BCWSA
noon - 1 pm: WC Race Series AGM

Where:
BC Wheelchair Sports office (780 S.W. Marine Drive) and the Richmond Olympic OVal

Cost: $10 per day (subsidies are available for out-of-town participants)

Registration deadline: Feb. 17th

Contact:

James Hustvedt: 604-616-7106 or james@bcwheelchairsports.com
Alex Wilson: 604-333-3520 ext. 208 or coordinator@bcwheelchairsports.com



Thank you to Choices Market on 57th avenue for generously providing the food for the event.

BCWSA and BCWBS Host Recognition Night

BC Wheelchair Sports Association and BC Wheelchair Basketball Society celebrated the achievements of its members with a special awards night on Friday. Held in conjunction with the BC SCI Community Services Network conference and the BCWSA/BCWBS Regional Planning Workshop, the awards night brought together key members of the wheelchair sports community for an evening of celebration.

The ceremony was held at the BC Wheelchair Sports Association/ BC Wheelchair Basketball Society office and served wine and desserts.

Among those recognized were:

• Joe Higgins – CWSA Robert W. Jackson Award, BCWBS Coach of the Year
• Laurel Crosby – CWSA Service Award – 35 years
• Sarah Hunter – CWSA Female Athlete of the Year
• Gail Hamamoto - CWSA Service Award (20 years)
• Dean Mackinnon – CWSA Service Award (25 years), Basketball BC Hall of Fame Inductee
• Sean Bevan – CWSA Service Award (5 years)
• Steve Campbell – CWSA Service Award (20 years)
• Debbie Carnaby – CWSA Service Award (25 years)
• Byron Green – CWSA Stan Stronge Award
• Gerry Kripps – CWSA Volunteer of the Year
• Trevor Hirschfield – Sport BC Athlete of the Year
• Peter Lawless – Sport BC Coach of the Year
• Tim Frick – CPC Hall of Fame Inductee, 2013 Community NCCP Coach Developer Award
• Jennifer Krempien _ CPC Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2012 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team (Bo Hedges, Richard Peter) – inducted into Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame
• Michelle Stilwell – CPC Best Female Athlete Award, CAAWS 2013 Women of Influence List
• Duncan Campbell – IPC Paralympic Order
• Justin Johnson – WCBC Junior Athlete of the Year
• Janet McLachlan – WCBC Female Athlete of the Year
• Jim Campbell – BCWBS Official of the Year
• PISE – BCWBS Outstanding Community Service
• Mitch Kosterman – BCWBS Volunteer of the Year
• Erin Higgins – BCWBS Junior Athlete of the Year
• Wendy Jansen – BCWBS Female Athlete of the Year
• Richard Peter – BCWBS Male Athlete of the Year

We also honoured the decades of contributions of Pat Harris, who has stepped down as BCWSA President. Chris Samis, who served for over 20 years as the BCWSA Treasurer, was also recognized.

To view photos of the event, please click here.

Wheelchair Tennis Star Sarah Hunter Wins the Harry Jerome Comeback Award

(Vancouver, BC) – BC Wheelchair Sports Association congratulates wheelchair tennis player Sarah Hunter (Surrey, BC) on receiving the Sport BC Harry Jerome Award, which is given annually to an athlete who has overcome adversity to make an amazing comeback.

“We are so proud of Sarah Hunter not only for her impressive results on the tennis court, but also for the tenacity and determination it took to come back from what could have been a career-ending injury,” said BCWSA Executive Director Gail Hamamoto. “She’s very deserving of this award.”

After a collision with her doubles teammate that resulted in serious injury and a significant time away from the court, Hunter worked hard to get back to peak physical condition. This year, she returned to the international scene in dominant form. She is currently ranked 4^th in the world in singles and 3^rd in doubles. On the ITF tour, she appeared in 19 quarterfinals, 7 semifinals and 7 finals, winning 5 titles. With signature wins at the Salzburg Open in singles and the British Open in doubles, Sarah has re-established herself as Canada’s highest-ranking international wheelchair tennis player.

Nationally, Hunter is just as impressive. At this year’s Birmingham Wheelchair Tennis National Championships, she was undefeated and won both the singles and doubles titles. She is currently the number-one-ranked Canadian quad single and doubles player. Despite her hectic schedule, Hunter still finds time to give back to the sport she loves. Not only is she a long-time athlete mentor for BC Wheelchair Sports Association and the Bridging the Gap program, but she also recently entered into a more formalized mentorship assignment through Tennis Canada with up-and-coming athlete Mika Ishikawa.

Hunter will receive her award at the Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards Ceremony on March 5^th.

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

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

Register Now for the Fun St. Patrick's Day Wheelchair Tennis Tournament

Register now to experience the luck o' the Irish at our Fun St. Patrick's Day Wheelchair Tennis tournament. The event will take place Saturday, March 15 from 4-8pm at the Delta Town and Country Courts (6005 Hwy 17 in Delta, BC) and will have a St. Patrick's Day theme.
The tournament will feature "Steve's Crazy Mixed-Up style." 

All levels are welcome and food, drinks, snacks, and necessary equipment will be provided. There will even be a costume contest, so channel your inner leprechaun to win some prizes. There is only space for 12 people to play in the tournament, so register early!

To register, download the registration form by clicking here and return it to Alex Wilson at coordinator@bcwheelchairsports.com

If you need more info, contact Alex at 604) 333-3520, ext. 208 or coordinator@bcwheelchairsports.com

 

BC Names its Wheelchair Rugby Provincial Team

Congratulations to the athletes named to the BC Wheelchair Rugby Provincial Pool this year. Coach Adam Frost selected the athletes based on their performance year-round and at a selection camp this January.

These athletes will be eligible to play for the BC A and B teams and attend the national championships and other wheelchair rugby tournaments.

Congratulations to:
Ian Chan
Rod Bitz
Stu Wymer
Jessica Kruger
Say Luangkhamdeng
Travis Murao
Jordon Dycke
Andrew Davis
Peter Isherwood
Calan McDougall
Randy Leblanc
Trevor Hirschfield
Byron Green
Kaspar Shouldice
Jeff Scott.

Cloverdale Have a Go Day a Big Success!

Proving once again that Surrey is a hotbed of wheelchair sports activity, the The City of Surrey hosted a successful wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis Have a Go Day on January 14 at Cloverdale Recreation Centre.  Twenty people had fun trying wheelchair tennis and wheelchair basketball under the direction of the City of Surrey's Ross MacDonald and wheelchair basketball Paralympian Marni Abbott-Peter. Joy TV even came out to film the session!

Many thanks to all the participants and to City of Surrey, BCWSA and BCWBS organizers who ensured that the event was a success.

Athletes hooked on wheelchair basketball who now want to play on a regular basis are invited to the City of Surrey's wheelchair basketball program on Tuesdays starting Jan 21 from 6:15pm-7:30pm and running for 8 weeks. To register, visit the City of Surrey's webreg by clicking here and enter course code 4350042. You can also register by phone or in person at any Surrey Culture and Recreation centre.

To view a Facebook album of the event, click here.

To view a video shot by JoyTV, click here.

Michelle Stilwell Is a Finalist for the Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards

It's been a big month for Michelle Stilwell. Just weeks after being named to CAAWS' Women of Influence List, Sport BC announced that she's a finalist for a Sport BC award in the Athlete with a Disability category. 

The winner of this award, which recognizes an athlete with a disability who has demonstrated extraordinary athletic performance in provincial, national or international competitions in a team or individual sport in British Columbia, will be announced at the 48th Annual Athlete of the Year Award on Wednesday March 5, 2014 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Michelle was a finalist for the award last year.

Congratulations to Michelle Stilwell on her good work this year! We'll be cheering for her.

Tennis Canada Hosts North Vancouver Wheelchair Tennis Coaching Clinic

January 19, 2014 (Vancouver) – Kai Schrameyer, Tennis Canada’s wheelchair tennis national coach and Wayne Elderton, head of coaching development and certification in British Columbia for Tennis Canada, held a six-hour wheelchair tennis instructor course for 8 BC tennis coaches at Grant Connell Tennis Centre in North Vancouver yesterday. 

The course, which was held in partnership with Tennis BC and BC Wheelchair Sports Association covered a variety of topics including history and organizational structure of the sport, basics on injury levels and playing categories, equipment, wheelchair tennis rules, warm up drills, introduction to the 'cycle of mobility' and teaching technique and tactics through the 'Game-based' approach to wheelchair tennis beginners. All participants were given ample time to try playing in a wheelchair and teach their fellow coaches. All coaches commented on what an eye opening experience pushing the wheelchair was and how challenging mobility on a tennis court can be to beginner players. Teaching the proper fundamentals of the mobility cycle is therefore vital in the coaching process. 


“It was great to see all participants fully engaged during the entire course session.” Schrameyer said. “ As part of our mission to educate certified tennis coaches about coaching wheelchair tennis, we are hoping that some of them will gain interest in helping to coach wheelchair tennis in existing and new BC programs. Many thanks to Wayne Elderton, Tennis BC and BC Wheelchair Sports for their help with the course!"

For further information and dates on upcoming wheelchair tennis instructor courses throughout Canada please contact Kai Schrameyer at[kschrameyer@tenniscanada.com]kschrameyer@tenniscanada.com.

BCWSA Announces List of AAP Funding Recipients

BC Wheelchair Sports Association is pleased to announce that the following athletes have been chosen to receive AAP provincial funding. This funding will be used support their high-performance lifestyle, including travel to tournaments, equipment, and additional coaching and sport science support.

Congratulations to:

Leanne Kelly - Basketball
Alec Kendall - Basketball
Avril Harris - Basketball
Amanda Yan - Basketball
Wendy Jansen - Basketball
Joel Ewert - Basketball
John Kosterman - Basketball
Jessica Vliegenthart - Basketball
Ben Hagkull - Basketball
Steph Park - Basketball
Alphonsus To - Basketball
Riley Martin - Basketball
Jon Vliegenthart - Basketball
Tomas Bourassa - Tennis
Mika Ishikawa - Tennis
Eddy Solla - Athletics
Tristan Smyth - Athletics
Jessye Brockway - Athletics
Djami Diallo - Athletics
Nathan Dewitt - Athletics
Jeff Scott - Rugby/Athletics
Andrew Davis - Rugby/Athetics
Kaspar Shouldice - Rugby
Jessica Kruger - Rugby
Peter Isherwood - Rugby
Jordon Dycke - Rugby

If you have any questions, please contact: Gail Hamamoto, Executive Director of BC Wheelchair Basketball Society at gail@bcwheelchairsports.com or 604-333-3520.

BCWSA Congratulates Michelle Stilwell On Being Named to the 2013 CAAWS Women of Influence List

BCWSA congratulates wheelchair racer Michelle Stilwell on being named to the 2013 CAAWS Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity List of 2013. CAAWS publishes its Most Influential Women List annually to celebrate and highlight Canadian leaders who influenced sport and physical activity in Canada and on the international stage. 

Michelle joins such sport luminaries as Olympian Carol Huynh and Olympic bobsleigh role model Kaillie Humphries. In all, 20 women were named to the list. 

Not only has Michelle won several Paralympic and World Championship gold medals and set several World Records, she is also an MLA and an advocate for people with disabilities. She was recently named the BC Athletics Para-Athlete of the Year.

Congratulations, Michelle!