Friday, May 23, 2014

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!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

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.

Monday, April 28, 2014

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

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

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.




Friday, April 11, 2014

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

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

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