Wheelchair Rugby provides a ton of fun and excitement to fans watching matches. But to those involved with the sport, it provides so much more. When you talk to the players, coaches and support staff, they all say the same thing–wheelchair rugby is family.
Here are the stories of those who bring the game to life.
Jon Corson
- Vice Chair WWR Technical Committee
- Head Official Tokyo Paralympics
- Assistant Technical Delegate 2022 World Championships
Jon Corson is currently the Assistant Head of the WWR Technical Committee. He has held various positions within the WWR including a rules committee member, Asia-Oceania Zone Technical Commissioner and Acting President Asia-Oceania. In Tokyo, Jon will serve as the Head Official for the Tokyo Paralympic Games and later, as the Assistant Technical Delegate for the 2022 World Championships in Denmark. Jon will head up the officiating team at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Wheelchair Rugby Tournament.
WWR: How did you first get involved with wheelchair rugby?
Corson: I was first introduced to wheelchair rugby at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney. I watched the opening session to see what it was like and I was hooked! I ended up attending every session thereafter. When I moved to Brisbane, Australia the following year I volunteered with Sporting Wheelies where I was asked to help out refereeing.
WWR: What excited you about the sport?
Corson: The physical nature of the sport, with its full contact and the determination of those involved.
WWR: What do you like the most?
Corson: While the contact and physicality of the sport attracted me, it is the global friendships and nature of the wider sporting family that makes this sport one that I love.
WWR: What are you looking forward to in Tokyo?
Corson: Leading up to the Tokyo games the teams have become a lot closer in their competitiveness. This means all games at the tournament will be key and Tokyo 2020 could see a newcomer to the Paralympic Podium.
WWR: What would you tell people who’ve never seen the sport before?
Corson: Watch a game and be prepared to be energised. This game gets under your skin, challenges your mindset and is brutally contact oriented. Be prepared for winning at all costs.
WWR: What do you see for the future of the sport? For the future of WWR?
Corson: We have just changed our name to World Wheelchair Rugby with a new website and brand designed to showcase our athletes and continue growing our global family in all areas. We are the first sport to sell out to packed stadiums at Paralympics and want to bring rugby to all parts of the globe – it is a team sport that gives as much off court as on to those involved.