From Caloundra to the Netherlands, that’s how the IG20 Australian Wheelchair Basketball team rolls
Australia’s largest wheelchair basketball tournament is taking place at Caloundra Indoor Stadium from January 17-19.
Australia’s largest wheelchair basketball tournament is taking place at Caloundra Indoor Stadium from January 17-19.
Sunshine Coast social wheelchair basketball club, the Suncoast Spinners is hosting the 14th annual tournament and will feature more than 20 teams across three grades of competition.
Tourism, Events and Sport Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the Sunshine Coast Council was proud to sponsor this event as the largest tournament of its kind in Australia.
“The Sunshine Coast boasts a reputation of hosting very successful major sporting events and national and international teams for training camps,” Cr O’Pray said.
“The calibre of participants at this tournament provides a platform for scouting elite athletes as well as helping many players prepare for Paralympic events and the Invictus Games,” he said.
A number of players in this competition will contest the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and the event is the major preparation for the Invictus Games Australian Wheelchair basketball team ahead of their competition in the Netherlands in May.
“The Caloundra event will be the first time the team will play together, so it provides a valuable opportunity to mesh as a team,” according to Invictus Games Australian team head coach Geoff Stokes.
State representative teams NSW Blues and QLD Comets will compete, while New Caledonia and New Zealand will also be represented at the tournament.
Spectator entry is free and there will be a barbecue hosted by the Lions Club. Coffee and kiosk facilities will also be available.
The Reverse Inclusion Conference and Coaching Clinic is being held at Caloundra today ahead of the tournament. Canadian wheelchair team coach Mike Frogley will be the keynote speaker and will host a coaching clinic.
Visit http://www.suncoastspinners.com.au/2020-tournament/ for event details.
Image description: James Hill coaching the QLD Women's team;
Image credit: Suncoast Spinners
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