For Immediate Release.
BC Wheelchair Society announces new Executive Director
January 9, 2024 (Vancouver B.C.) BC Wheelchair Basketball Society is excited to announce that Marni Abbott, current Pathway Director with BCWBS will lead the society as the new Executive Director.
Abbott has held various positions in the society since joining the staffover two decades ago. This includes a leadership role in the development, delivery,and expansion of the Let’s Play program. The veteran player and esteemed coach also brings a plethora of experience to the table, representing Canada in wheelchair basketball both on the court and behind the bench.
Abbott represented Canada on the national stage as a player between 1992 and 2004 — along with briefly coming out of retirement in 2010 to win a bronze medal at the world championship — winning three gold medals at the Paralympic Games in 1992, 1996 and 2000, and three world championship titles in 1994, 1998 and 2002.
She followed up her playing career by coaching at both the provincial level — most recently winning gold with B.C. at the 2023 Canada Winter Games — and the national level, where she coached the U-25 Women’s team to 6th placei n Thailand at the 2023 U25 World Championship.
“After a focussed search for a newExecutive Director, it was unanimous that Marni was the best suited and mostqualified applicant for the position,” stated Bo Hedges, Chair BCWBS Board ofDirectors. “Marniexemplifies leadership and has been integral in the development of WheelchairBasketball in BC and Canada at all levels. From the grass roots in the Let’sPlay program, to coaching our junior aged athletes all the way to her roleswith the Senior Women’s National team and U-25 Women’s team.”
“Iam excited about my new opportunity to lead BC Wheelchair Basketball in therole of Executive Director,” comments Abbott. “Having been involved with BCWBS asa player, coach, and administrator for over 3 decades, I am thankful for theimpact the game has played in my life. It is an exciting time for me to be a leader in this amazing sport.”
Please join all of us at BCWBS in congratulating Marni as Executive Director.
