basketballscotland and RGK Wheelchairs Extend Partnership

basketballscotland and RGK Wheelchairs are delighted extend their partnership, aimed at further supporting the Governing Body’s efforts in developing Wheelchair Basketball nationwide.

In this extended collaboration, RGK, a UK-based Sports Wheelchair manufacturer, will lend its support to the Wheelchair Basketball Junior Programme. This includes organising various Youth Skills Development sessions, Wheelchair Basketball Educational taster sessions, and Community Wheelchair Basketball engagement sessions.

As part of our extended partnership, basketballscotland recently hosted the highly successful RGK Wheelchair Basketball Regional Junior Festival. Held at the Dundee International Sports Centre, the event witnessed the largest-ever turnout. Nearly 50 young participants aged between 9 and 18 competed in the U13 and U18 age groups. For many of them, it was their first experience of competitive team games, requiring them to demonstrate bravery.

Tina Gordon, Inclusion Manager at basketballscotland, expressed her gratitude for the invaluable support provided by RGK Wheelchairs. “We would not be able to put on this event without the invaluable support from RGK Wheelchairs which enables us to build on the Festival year on year as well as grow the grassroots side of the game.  It’s thanks to all the hard work from the coaches and volunteers at Inverness Lions, Grampian Flyers, Dundee Dragons, Perth Eagles and Lothian Phoenix, where the junior players train every week throughout the season, and it’s great to see so many young people having fun, challenging themselves and making new friends on the day.”

Lee Fawcett, a former GB Paralympian and RGK Mobility Advisor, shared his excitement at being involved once “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been able to be involved once again in the ‘Scottish Wheelchair Basketball Regional Junior Festival’.  The developing level of all the athletes was amazing and I spotted a few international potentials for the future.  RGK Wheelchairs are super proud to sponsor the event, which keeps getting gigger each year, well done to all involved.”

Through their extended partnership, basketballscotland and RGK Wheelchairs are dedicated to nurturing and promoting Wheelchair Basketball in Scotland. Their collaborative efforts will undoubtedly provide more opportunities for young athletes to flourish and achieve their fullest potential.

We would like to express our gratitude to the Scottish Disability Sport Regional Managers for providing opportunities for young people to experience wheelchair basketball through their Parasport Festivals. We also extend our thanks to the basketballscotland staff and officials for ensuring the smooth running of the festival. Additionally, we appreciate the support provided by Ryan Raghoo, British Wheelchair Basketball’s England and Wales Pathway Manager, during the event.