British Paralympic Association - Wheelchair Basketball

BRITISH PARALYMPIC ASSOCIATION

Positive start for GB at 2007 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships

Great Britain’s men’s and women’s teams have got off to a positive start at the 2007 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships, which is a qualification event for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

The top-four men’s and top-three women’s teams at the championships - which got under-way in Wetzlar, Germany, at the weekend - will qualify places for the Beijing Games next year.

The men’s side have so far had a tremendous start, winning all three of their opening matches.

The British side opened their championship campaign with a victory against the Czech Republic, who they outscored by more than double points to win 73-36. The team, now coached by former Australian head coach Murray Treseder, went on to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 65-48 and Spain 59-77.

They now face France and Spain in their final group games before the semi-finals on Friday.

Britain’s women’s side have meanwhile had a tougher start to the championships, losing their opening game 68-34 against the defending European champions Germany. They fought back from this defeat to overcome France and record a 42-32 victory, but lost their third game 34-55 to former European champions Holland.

The British team will now need to win their next two pool games against Spain and Turkey to keep alive their hopes of medalling at the championships and qualifying for the Beijing Games.

The 2007 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships take place in Wetzlar, Germany from August 23 to September 2, 2007.

For further information about the British Paralympic Association, please contact Sian Davies in the Press Office on 0207 211 5240 or 07721 892686 or by email at sian.davies@paralympics.org.uk. For news updates visit the BPA website at www.paralympics.org.uk