Tri-Nations Wheelchair Basketball Tournament
With the Paralympic Games only 66 days away, three of the world leading Womens Wheelchair Basketball Nations will be competing in Cardiff this weekend as they make their final preparations for Beijing.
Great Britain, Germany and Holland will be competing in the first International Invitational Challenge 2008 at the Welsh Institute of Sport over three days.
Competition is likely to be intense as the teams will be seeking to take a psychological advantage over their European rivals.
Welsh eyes will be on Claire Strange and Caroline Matthews who are competing for Great Britain this weekend. Claire and Caroline, who have both been selected for the Paralympics GB Team for Beijing, relish the opportunity of competing on home soil.
Two times Paralympian Caroline said,
“Its amazing to have a tournament in my home town, playing for GB in always fantastic, but in your home town it’s a very special occasion. Everyone is welcome to come along and support the GB Women in their preparation for Beijing, you are sure to see some amazing world class wheelchair basketball.”
The event is co-hosted between the Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association (GBWBA) and Disability Sport Wales (DSW). CEO for the GBWBA Charlie Bethel stated,
“We are delighted to be playing here at the Welsh Institute of Sport. Wales has a proud history in Paralympic sport and has produced many fine athletes who have competed for our teams. Competition this weekend will be intense as the teams look to complete their match preparations ahead of Beijing. It will be a superb opportunity for spectators to watch world class Paralympic sport at its very best.”
Jon Morgan, Executive Director of DSW added,
“We are delighted to welcome this tournament to Cardiff. Wales is fast gaining a reputation for hosting Paralympic events and this weekend will add to the growing list of UK sports that have used our facilities for international competition.”
Wheelchair Basketball is a sport that is increasing in its popularity amongst young people in Wales and this is a chance for them to see some of their GB Heroes in action.
The International Invitational Challenge 2008 starts on Friday 4th July at 1pm and the final match starts at 12pm on Sunday 6th July 2008. All are welcome and anyone who enjoys sport is encouraged to come and watch the basketball. Entry is free to all spectators.
For more information about the event, please contact Stephanie Larkin, Disability Sport Wales Support Officer on 02920 338 344 or email office@fdsw.org.uk
