So we now know that we will play Australia, the London 2012 Paralympic Gold medallists in our first game in Rio. There is no pretending that this is anything but a tough draw as Australia have been consistently in the medals for a very long time and have in Ryley Batt perhaps the best player in the world. We have always had a close relationship with Brad Dubberley and his team, we respect them enormously but we are ready for this big game. Our mainly young athletes and coach have learned a great deal about themselves and the opposition since 2012 and know that they have to be playing the best in the world if they are to start to break into the medals. They will take heart from the England rugby experience. Just months after having had such a disappointing home Rugby World Cup, England went down under and beat Australia in all three test matches. This is sport. We play and watch it because we never really know what is going to happen. We love it, we hate it, it makes us happy, it makes us miserable, we get frustrated and we get elated… but we are always back for more, always optimistic and always hungry for success. So bring on Rio we are looking forward to the challenge!
In a break from training the team came together last Friday to be presented with their international rugby caps by our newly appointed Patron, Jason Leonard. A big welcome to Jason as he joins our team. It was a very special occasion for all who were there but especially the athletes. Jason explained that the tradition of awarding rugby caps goes back to the very beginnings of the game when caps were awarded at Rugby School where the game began. He said that in receiving the cap we might also think about all of those who helped achieve it – those who have supported the athletes on the way, the mums and dads taking players to training and matches, the families who have been waiting at home whilst players have been away competing – the coaches and staff who have been there to support and help. Perhaps those of us engaged in wheelchair rugby feel and understand that even more because we know how much we rely on the support of volunteers, family, friends, carers without whom it would be a struggle to play our amazing game.
This week we have also been given notification that the IWRF General Assembly will be held in Frankfurt in November. GBWR will consult with the membership on any motions that we wish the Assembly to consider. The Domestic and Performance Management Groups will discuss the topic and we will invite input from officials and classifiers. Details of this and how you can represent your views are on the website. Do take a look and think about it as ultimately I am mandated to represent your views at the Assembly and want to be able to do that and support those views as best I can.
David Pond
