We would like to thank the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Team for inviting our Chief Executive, Jane Emmerson, over to Denmark to watch some matches in the World Championships.
Jane was able to watch the squad’s matches from their match against USA on 13th October right through to their final match against New Zealand on 16th October. She shared some great photos of the players in the USA match.
Overall there were 11 teams competing against each other in the World Championships GB, United States, Denmark, Switzerland, Brazil, New Zealand, Colombia, France, Japan, Germany and Australia.
Team GB initially got off to a flying start in the tournament by winning their first three matched in a row.
However, three days before the team were due to depart, they were given the news that one of their key athletes, Stuart Robinson, was unable to travel to Denmark due to a health issue.
This meant that the coaching staff had to create a new tournament strategy; and players had to take on roles that they hadn’t prepared for.
Unfortunately at the end of the tournament Team GB came seventh.
“I must call out performances from some of our younger athletes in the squad: Kieran Flynn, Jack Smith, and Ollie Mangion, all demonstrated that they deserve to be in the squad and played some fantastic rugby. I am very proud of the how the whole team fought this week, and I’m still optimistic about our future as we build towards the 2023 Euros and 2024 Paralympics.” said Jason Brisbane, CEO of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby
Jason continued “The 2022 World Championship was a fantastic tournament, with some incredibly exciting games. I must congratulate the hosts Denmark for putting on a great show and finishing fourth, which is a fantastic result for them.”
Get Kids Going! are very proud long term supporters of the GB wheelchair rugby team and the last two years have been particularly hard for all athletes, so your fundraising really means so much.
To conclude Jason CEO of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Team said “Thank you to all our fans, officials, players, coaches, volunteers, friends, and family who travelled out to Denmark or followed us online. We are nothing without your support and dedication to the team, and to the sport.”
Our Chief Executive Jane said “It was very sad that Stuart could not play due to injury but I am sure that all being well, the team will be back to full strength in May 2023 for the European Championships
I would like to say a big thank you to all the team for inviting us over. The good news is that a lot of new young players such as Kieran Flynn, Jack Smith, and Ollie Mangion had the opportunity to show their talents.
We were delighted to be out there with them. All the team played well and we wish them the best of luck in the Euros in 2023 and the Paralympics in 2024.”
We wish them the best of luck with the 2023 European Championships and hope they bring home some more medals.