For Immediate Release
Vancouver, BC (November 6, 2017) - Provincial Team Coach, Simon Cass, was in Prince George, Thursday, October 19, 2017, for the inaugural practice of the new club. The Prince George Lumberjacks, under the guidance of their coach Rob Stiles, is looking to build on the legacy started by Pat and Nancy Harris, who have spearheaded wheelchair sports and accessibility in the North for the past 30+ years. Stiles ran a great first practice, culminating in a “crazy hat” relay that enabled team #2, led by Cass, to win gold in the “first practice Olympics” that was tracked over the course of the entire evening.
BC Wheelchair Basketball Society (BCWBS) is committed to providing quality programming and experiences to individuals in regions across BC. With two new grants, we have been able to directly support the Prince George Wheelchair Basketball Club. “Adding a new wheelchair basketball club to Prince George is a great asset to our athlete and coach development and program offerings in the north”, states Provincial Team Coach Cass. “Our expansion wouldn’t be possible without the support of club development grants, like the ones we gratefully received from the Prince George Community Foundation, viaSport and the BC Rehab Foundation”. The Prince George Wheelchair Basketball Club will have BCWBS support for the re-launch of this local club; ensure the required equipment and sport wheelchairs are available; ensure regular offering of wheelchair basketball programing in the North; and support these regional participants with quality skill development and coaching support that is attractive to new and developing participants in this Northern BC community.
“We have a great foundation of programming in the regions however as the number of British Columbians with physical disabilities increases each year, and the community becomes increasingly aware of the wide array of accessible programs and services available, the need for the services provided by BCWBS grows”, commented BCWBS Executive Director Sian Blyth. “Therefore, given the available resources, it is so important for BCWBS to support the leadership, coaching and partnership development opportunities we engage in regionally to build sustainability in the regions so that their success is supported by BCWBS, but driven locally. We are excited that the grant from BC Rehab Foundation, will support the Prince George Lumberjacks, with 2 new chairs that will be available for club members to utilize”.
The team practices, Thursday nights through December 2017, at the Northern Sport Centre on UNBC’s campus and welcomes all participants at all levels. The team practices move to Monday nights starting January 2018. Please contact pgwheelchairbball@gmail.com for additional information on the Prince George Lumberjacks.
About British Columbia Wheelchair Basketball Society
The BC Wheelchair Basketball Society (BCWBS) is the provincial sport governing body which provides support to wheelchair basketball programs throughout BC. BCWBS’s mission is to provide experiences that inspire inclusion, participation and excellence through wheelchair basketball
About BC Rehab Foundation:
BC Rehab was created in 1994 with a mission to support people with physical disabilities through education, research, arts, recreation, and wellness programs. We celebrate and support people with physical disabilities in their efforts to strive towards their own form of independence.
About Prince George Community Foundation:
Founded in 1995, the Prince George Community Foundation is an independent, volunteer-driven, charitable organization that brings together people who care about their community. As a member of the Community Foundations of Canada, the Prince George Community Foundation facilitates philanthropy, by partnering with donors to build permanent endowment funds that support community projects.
The Foundation offers you the unique opportunity to support your community and to share in shaping its future by pooling and investing the charitable gifts of our donors. Gifts and bequests are accumulated in a permanent trust fund managed by a highly skilled team of professionals. Investment income is allocated carefully and responsibly to charitable organizations committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community.
About viaSport
viaSport engage and unifies British Columbians through the power of sport because it believes that the values and life skills developed via sport allow people to thrive for life. All British Columbians deserve equitable opportunities to develop and realize their potential though sport – as an athlete, coach, official or volunteer.
For More Information
Please contact:
Michelle Comeau
BCWBS Communications Manager
Mobile: 403-512-7671 or email: michellercomeau@gmail.com
