Author: Editor Prime

World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) is the International Federation and governing body responsible for the sport of wheelchair rugby. WWR is a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Association of Paralympic Sports Organisations (APSO), and is a sport partner of World Rugby – sharing a close and strong relationship.

We are seeking to appoint a new CEO. As an International Federation responsible for the sport of wheelchair rugby, we have seen growth since forming as an independent organisation in 2010.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to lead the next stage of wheelchair rugby’s growth and development. The successful candidate will have, amongst other attributes: experience as a strategic leader; growing a small business or organisation; excellent networking, interpersonal and social skills; good financial and commercial expertise.

The role is flexible, including working from home and with some international travel. A full job description can be found below.

The salary for this position is negotiable up to USD $60,000.

Please send a letter of interest including your curriculum vitae to office@worldwheelchair.rugby

Closing date for applications: Friday, 7th October 2022

Following shortlisting, successful candidates will be invited for interviews which will be conducted virtually using video conference facilities. Dates and times will be planned with individuals to ensure availability.

Richard Allcroft

WWR President

World Wheelchair Rugby are announcing the planned exit of the CEO, Steve Griffiths. Steve was appointed in April 2020 with the expectation of an 18 – 24 month tenure. It is a reflection of Steve’s character and work ethic that he has ended up moving on after two and a half years.

Steve was appointed during the start of an organisational restructuring with the overarching aim to make WWR a world leader in Para sport.

This was at the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic, ensuring that the majority of Steve’s time involved was achieved through operating virtually and remotely.

WWR President, Richard Allcroft said “there has been significant changes since Steve started in the role. One of these was creating a culture within WWR to empower our volunteer staff to deliver the operational plan by taking more responsibility and providing the appropriate authority to deliver projects within the sport. Our volunteers have phenomenal skills and are committed to wheelchair rugby and this change in culture has developed more capacity and empowered individuals to create new ideas and ways of working within the often difficult landscape of the Paralympic Movement.

On behalf of WWR, I would like to thank Steve for his commitment, energy and good nature when working on behalf of wheelchair rugby.”

Steve has been a long-time friend of wheelchair rugby, becoming involved over 12 years ago during his time at World Rugby as Head of Technical Services. Steve has delivered and facilitated strategic planning sessions during this time with the last one run as a consultant at Rugby House, Dublin in May 2019.

Steve said, “It has been an honour and a privilege to work with WWR for the last two and a half years with WWR in some difficult and on occasion challenging times. I would like to thank the President and the Board for their support. A special thanks to the volunteer Heads of function and the many people that support them in delivering a wonderful sport. Additionally, without the Members delivering the sport within their countries we would not have the quality competitions that so many admire, a big thank you. Remember Here to Win ……”

Steve will be moving on to focus on his retirement and consultancy work.

WWR is delighted to sell one rugby wheelchair sponsored by Vesco Metal Craft Inc. to support the WWR Hall of Fame. By submitting your binding interest as the 1^st individual, you get a high-performance Vesco Rugby Wheelchair that the majority of elite players worldwide trust Worldwide.

The set price is at $6.000 USD, which is a brilliant price and no doubt worthy for a sports wheelchair that enables you to play the most entertaining sport in the Paralympic Program. By participating in this auction, you directly fund the WWR Hall of Fame and allows them to induct individuals with outstanding achievements in the sport of Wheelchair Rugby.

– First come, first served –

The Vesco Rugby Wheelchair has a value of around $10.000 USD and is customized to your specific measurements provided by the individual within 30 days after WWR receive the bid. Vesco Metal Craft Inc. will build the wheelchair and have them ready for shipment to the End User no more than 90 days after receiving a specification which meets the requirements from the End User. The wheelchair includes the following standard features and options (included in the sale price):

• Offensive OR Defensive Frame
• One pair (Two Wheels) of Spinergy SLX sports wheels
  • End User’s choice of Vesco Offensive, Defensive, or Mid-Point spoke guards

• End User´s choice of the following features:
  • Heavy Duty Frame
  • Heat Treating
  • 5/8 Frame upgrade
  • Ergo Seat
  • Flared Seat Back Tubes
  • Seat Back Height less than 10
  • Heavy Duty seat back tubes
  • Seat width – extra wide (16.5” – 20”)
  • Tapered Seat Bottom
  • EZ Transfer-Flat side rail
  • Stepped Wings 20/11 CM
  • Aluminum Weld on Clothing Guards
  • Rear Guard
  • Basher Bar
  • Smooth
  • Heavy Duty Flat High Picker Upgrade
  • Shin Protector
  • Heavy Duty Footplate Frame with Gussets
  • Footplate Heel Holders, Pair
  • Footplate Foot Spreader Standard
  • Bracket Mounts for ratchet straps on footplate
  • Hip Ratchet Strap – 12″/16″/20″
  • Foot Ratchet Strap – 12″

Upon purchase, the End User may request the following optional features which will be provided at the End User’s expense. The cost of these options will not be included in the base price of the wheelchair:

• Ball Holder, Removable
• Standard Flat High Picker
• Heavy Duty Flat High Picker
• Custom Footplate
• X Brace (for frames with NO footplate)

Vesco Metal Craft Inc. will arrange shipping for the completed wheelchair to the End User and will pay the costs of shipping within the 48 contiguous US states and Canada. If the End User´s location is outside of the north American Territory, the wheelchair can be delivered to WWR World Championship in Vejle, Denmark. The end-user will then be responsible for any further shipping costs or their attendance to collect the chair.

The end user can make their own arrangements for shipping directly with Vesco at their own cost. Due to the Pandemic the end user should be aware that the cost is likely to vary depending on the final destination.

To purchase email office@worldwheelchair.rugby supplying your full name and contact details including the address where the wheelchair will be delivered.

Yours in Sport

Garett Hickling

Chairperson WWR Hall of Fame Committee

Act of Disclosure for Unforeseen Circumstances:

The contractor is not responsible for any delay caused by natural disaster, war, civil disturbance, labor dispute or other cause beyond Contractor’s reasonable control, provided Contractor gives written notice to the End User of the cause of the delay within 60 days of the start of the delay.

To download the full set price auction document click here: https://worldwheelchair.rugby/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/220803-Hall-of-Fame-Vesco-Set-Price-2022-1.pdf

WWR is delighted to announce Rodney Holt has been appointed as WWR Regional General Manager for Asia. Rodney is based in Bali and has represented both Bali and Indonesia at Rugby having been named Bali Sports personality of the year in 2007.

He is the Founder of Bali Sports Federation (now known as BSF Asia) he promotes the development of disabled youth through sports throughout Southeast Asia.

He has been

Vice Chairman – Special Olympics Indonesia 2016-2020

Vice President – International Wheelchair Rugby Federation AOZ SEA 2015-2020

Secretary General – Timor-Leste -ASEAN ParaGames 2017 Kuala Lumpur

Manager – Cambodian Wheelchair Basketball Team – Asian ParaGames – Jakarta 2018

Steve Griffiths WWR CEO and Secretary General stated that he is delighted that someone with such a celebrated history of developing sport for persons with impairments has agreed to work in a voluntary capacity with WWR in the Regional General Management team.

Kathy Newman WWR Director of Competitions and Development added; “We are delighted to welcome Rodney Holt as the WWR Regional Manager for Asia.  Rodney brings a wealth of experience in para sport development in Asia.  We are looking forward to working together to support and grow the region”.

The Japanese Wheelchair Rugby Federation are pleased to announce that the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium will host the 2023 Asia-Oceania Championship tournament.

Event information:

Dates: June 29 (Thursday) – July 2 (Sunday), 2023 (total 4 competition days)

Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium (1-17-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051)

Participating Teams: Japan 4 to 6 countries (To be confirmed)

Japan Wheelchair Rugby Federation (JWRF) said: “This Championship will be an important event for the Asia-Oceania region to compete for the 1 slot to qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The event will also be a legacy event for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, and we plan to provide an environment in which fans can watch the heated games through event planning and others more than ever before.

Tim Johnson, WWR Head of Competitions and 2023 Technical Delegate: “Having performed the role of Technical Delegate at the 2015 Asia-Oceania Championship, also in Tokyo, I am confident this will be very well organised and extremely enjoyable for all. This includes athletes, team staff, officials, volunteers and most importantly for those that will be involved as spectators.  Wheelchair Rugby is a great sport and well supported within Japan.  I look forward to the competition commencing and overseeing what will no doubt be a fantastic and successfully run event”

Steve Griffiths WWR CEO and Secretary General said: “It is great to see that the legacy from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games continues and we know that that the Japan Wheelchair Rugby Federation will deliver a first-class competition as they always do”.

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Wheelchair Rugby Quad Nations! Three days of hard hitting action are set to take place from 16-18 September 2022 at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff. This highly anticipated launch into the Welsh sporting scene. Acts as the curtain raiser for the 2023 WWR European Championship, to be held at the iconic Principality Stadium in Cardiff the home of Welsh Rugby.

The Quad Nations – which will be a key preparation event ahead of October’s WWR World Championship in Denmark which will see top GB Paralympians as well as athletes from France, Germany and Canada battle it out in the four-team international tournament.

Great Britain fresh from The World Games Low Point and Tokyo Paralympic Gold will be committed to claiming a victory in the Quad Nations after France snatched the European Championship title in February 2022, whilst Canada and Germany will be keen to follow up their respective successes in recent tournaments.

Speaking ahead of the event, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Chief Executive Officer Jason Brisbane commented: “Hosting the 2022 Quad Nations in Cardiff is a hugely exciting move for Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby and we’re absolutely delighted to be able to host these four elite teams this September. The Quad Nations is always a highly competitive event with last year’s behind-closed-doors competition playing an invaluable role in helping Great Britain to prepare for the Tokyo Games.  

“These events, building to a crescendo of the European Championship next year, are sure to inspire people and create a true legacy for the sport, raising it to new heights through its sheer energy, passion and competitive force. I really hope that the rugby-loving fans in Wales will show their support and get behind this incredible sport and the amazing athletes competing. Cardiff is the perfect setting for these two iconic events, with a rich legacy of passion for rugby which we really hope to build on.”

Richard Allcroft, President of World Wheelchair Rugby stated “Wales is a truly great Rugby nation and what better place to bring some of the best wheelchair rugby athletes in the world, than its capital city of Cardiff. The Quad Nations will be a great event to promote our sport and attract the interest of those highly valued volunteers as well as what I know will be some vibrant spectators. “

Tickets are available here: https://www.ticketline.co.uk/wheelchair-rugby-quad-nations#bio

Be the first to hear all the latest about the 2023 WWR European Championship here: www.wreuro23.com

Day 4 of low point wheelchair rugby at The World Games began bright and early as each nation had its last chance to secure a victory, and for some, a World Games medal. The day started with an exciting matchup between Switzerland and USA – a rematch from the evening before. Switzerland got the tip, but USA’s Joel Rodriguez was the first to score. It was a back-and-forth battle in the first few minutes as teams exchanged goals. Two early turnovers by USA looked to give the advantage to Switzerland, but a standout offensive performance from Joel Rodriguez, Mike DeYoung, Ryan Engelby and Matt Milstead gave USA a 9-6 lead to end the first quarter. Adrian Moser and Christian Hahnel attacked the second quarter with two quick goals, narrowing the American’s lead to one. Switzerland continued to work and wear down the Americans, and the second quarter ended USA 17, Switzerland 16. Switzerland began the second half with possession and was able to get a quick try from Andreas Brandli to tie the match 17 all. USA had a turnover on the following possession allowing Switzerland to take the lead. Switzerland increased their defensive pressure in the full court which flustered the Americans and caused more turnovers. With three minutes to go in the third quarter, momentum began to shift to the Americans. Switzerland had multiple turnovers and a penalty, which allowed USA to tie it up 23 all with 1:15 to go in the third. Switzerland, as usual, remained calm and focused on its passing and recorded key tries from Patrick Gosteli and Andreas Brandli to take a 25-23 lead to end the third. In the fourth, the Swiss defense pinned Joel Rodriguez in the back court to force the other three Americans to handle the ball. This gave Switzerland an advantage, and they maintained their three-point lead. With less than two minutes to go, USA extended its defensive pressure and caused a 12 second violation followed by a quick try to make it a one-point game. Swiss followed up with a final try from Adrian Moser, and they were able to run out the clock and win 34-32.

It was anticipated to be a close bronze medal match with the speed of Canada’s offense against the precision passing and scoring of Germany. Germany got the tip, and Robert Teichmann was the first to score followed quickly by Canadian Patrice Dagenais. Tough full court defensive pressure from Germany caused Canada to call a timeout early. Both sides used their speed to press up in the full court but Germany was still able to connect their passes and make it across the try line. It was try for try and turnover for turnover through the first half of the quarter, but Germany ended with an 11-8 advantage. In the second quarter the German offense began to cross smoothly up court and convert multiple tries for Thomas Schuwje and Teichmann. The German defense locked down the Hirschfield/Dagenais offense and outscored the Canadians 11-6, taking a 22-14 lead into the half. The third began with a new look for the Canadians – Maxime Drolet-Gauthier, Eric Rodrigues, Hirschfield and Dagenais – but Germany stuck with their starting four. Turnovers continued to plague any offensive momentum the Canadians could create, and Germany claimed the victory and bronze medal with a 44-30 win over Canada.

The final match of the tournament saw undefeated Great Britain take on Japan. GB got the tip, and Myles Pearson was off to the races with the first try. Japan started with a slightly different line of Tomoaki Imai, Hidefumi Wakayama, Seiya Norimatsu and Kae Kurahashi. The British applied intense defensive pressure, and Japan struggled to inbound the ball and recorded a turnover before their first try. Nick Cummins was plastered on Seiya Norimatsu throughout each offensive possession which made it difficult for Japan to get in an offensive groove. Defense was the name of this game. Finally, Japan tallied its first try four minutes into the first quarter. Takayuki Norimatsu came in toward the end of the quarter to infuse some offense, but GB’s stifling defense had everyone on lockdown, and the quarter ended with GB up 7-4. Japan came out in the second quarter with a burst of speed and offense from Tomoaki Imai and Hidefumi Wakayama. Meanwhile, Nick Cummins and Myles Pearson continued to put on an offensive clinic and never allowed Japan to catch back up, ending the first half with a 16-11 lead. The third quarter started without the Norimatsu brothers, but Wakayama and Hitoshi Ogawa kept the offense moving. Pearson and Cummins answered every Japanese try with a British score and ended the third up 28-17. Takayuki Norimatsu and Team Japan gave a valiant effort in the fourth quarter to get back in the match, but the dynamic team play from Ryan Cowling, Daniel Kellett, Sam Dickinson and Nick Cummins was too much to overcome, and the match ended with an emphatic 35-23 gold medal win by Great Britain.

Day 4 Results

• Match 1: Switzerland 34, USA 32
• Match 2: Germany 44, Canada 30
• Match 3: Great Britain 35, Japan 23

• Canada 2-4
• Great Britain 6-0
• Germany 4-2
• Japan 4-2
• Switzerland 2-4
• USA 0-6

Day 3 of The World Games low point wheelchair rugby competition began with a North American battle as USA faced Canada. The Americans got the tip, but Canada scored the first three tries from Trevor Hirschfield and Patrice Simard. USA quickly rallied with back-to-back points from Jeremy Hannaford, but Canada’s pressure defense caused turnovers and timeouts to be called by the Americans. Still, the USA stayed in the match with solid halfcourt defense and clutch pass receptions and tries from 0.5 Matt Milstead. The quarter ended with Canada up 10-5. Canada came out into the second with an extra spark of energy. The Canadian duo of Hirschfield and Dagenais got into a rhythm, and Canada went into the half up 22-9. Canada rested Hirschfield in the third which gave USA a burst of offense, busting through Canada’s halfcourt defense and crossing the try line. It was not enough to overtake the Canadians though, and they finished with a 45- 28 victory.

Switzerland took on Germany in match 2 of the day. Both sides came out ready, displaying similar styles of play. Each possession was valuable, and both sides carefully protected the ball to prevent any turnovers. This created a methodical back-and-forth match where they exchanged try for try early in the first period. The speed of Germany gave them the advantage in the second quarter, and slowly they began to pull away ending the half 23-12. Switzerland was not to be deterred. Christian Hahnel and Adrian Moser kept the Swiss offense moving in the third while Germany continued its smooth transition, creating passing and scoring lanes for every member of the Germany squad. The young Swiss player Yves Langhard had a solid performance in the fourth quarter scoring three tries and blocking back-to-back German passes. Germany took the victory 41-23 over Switzerland.

Match 3 was a much anticipated matchup between Canada and Japan. Japan won the tip and Seiya Norimatsu was the first to score. Patrice Simard was able to sneak past the full court Japanese pressure and be the first to score for Canada. In fact, Japan’s laser focused defense on Hirschfield and Dagenais made way for Simard to score 6 tries in the first quarter. But that was no match for Seiya Norimatsu’s first-quarter performance which gave Japan an 11-7 lead. Midway through the second, Canada continued to chip away at the lead getting within two, but Takayuki came in with a boost of speed forcing Canadian timeouts and turnovers. The defensive pressure of Japan disrupted the usually secure passing of Canada, and Japan extended its lead to end the first half 23-14. Hirschfield and Dagenais came out hot to start the third, passing well, tallying tries and causing Japanese turnovers. But the Norimatsu brothers continued to score. Canada switched up its line in the fourth making way for Melanie LaBelle and Byron Green and was able to close the gap, but the clock ran out and Japan took the 38-33 win.

The afternoon exploded with nail-biting drama from the day’s final two matches. First up was Great Britain vs Germany. Britta Kripke was the first to score for Germany, but it was followed up with a quick try from GB’s Nick Cummins. Germany showed patience and used the clock to wear down the defense and score last second tries. They also forced turnovers and poor passes for GB early in the match to take a three-point advantage. Germany’s Thomas Schuwje was near unstoppable in the full and half court and always seemed to find his teammates with a pin-point pass to score. This gave Germany an 11-7 advantage to end the first quarter. Uncharacteristic turnovers for Germany at the start of the second quarter shifted the momentum toward the British. GB’s crossing in transition set up smooth picks and scores for Nick Cowling, and they began to turn up the defensive pressure. Costly turnovers never allowed them to take full advantage of their efforts, and the first half ended with a three point advantage for Germany, 18-15. The third quarter started with a German turnover and penalty, which allowed GB to cut the lead to one, 17-18. Another turnover from Germany tied up the match 19 all. Germany never gave up with the leadership of Christian Riedel, Thomas Schuwje and Robert Teichmenn and tied it back up in the fourth. In the final minutes, Great Britain pressed up hard in the back court causing turnovers and taking a two point lead. Myles Pearson came in blazing off the bench to score key tries in the final minutes and give GB the 38-32 victory over Germany.

In the final match of the day, Switzerland and USA looked to secure their first victory of the tournament. USA was the first to score, but Switzerland quickly followed with tries from Adrian Moser and Peter Roos. It took a few minutes for USA to get in its offensive groove, but solid crossing opened scoring opportunities for John Milstead, Ryan Engelby, Daniel Ortiz and Joel Rodriguez. Still, the balanced Swiss offense gave them a 10-5 lead to end the first quarter. The U.S. changed up its defense to start the second and pressed in the back court. This created multiple turnovers for Switzerland and cut their lead to two going into the half, 20-18. USA started the third quarter with a new line of Mike DeYoung, Zac Bradley, Daniel Ortiz and John Milstead. While the Swiss kept in their trusted four – Adrian Moser, Peter Roos, Patrick Gosteli and Christian Hahnel  – they showed a renewed energy and determination not let the match slip away. Switzerland caused multiple turnovers for USA and extended their lead 32-25 going into the fourth quarter. Adrian Moser was given a rest in the final quarter, giving way to Yves Langhard, Andreas Brandli and Peter Roos and Patrick Gosteli to secure the victory 40-30.

Tomorrow the medals will be awarded. Great Britain will look to secure a final win against Japan and claim gold, while Germany will take the disappointment from its lose to Great Britain and use it as motivation to claim the bronze over Canada.

Day Three Results

• Match 1: USA 28, Canada 45
• Match 2: Switzerland 23, Germany 41
• Match 3: Canada 33, Japan 38
• Match 4: Great Britain 38, Germany 32
• Match 5: Switzerland 40, USA 30

• Canada 2-3
• Great Britain 5-0
• Germany 3-2
• Japan 4-1
• Switzerland 1-3
• USA 0-4

Day Four Schedule

Sunday, July 17

All times are listed in UTC-6

• 8:30 Switzerland vs USA
• 10:15 Germany vs Canada
• 12:00 Great Britain vs Japan

Day 2 of the low point wheelchair rugby competition at The World Games started with Japan vs Switzerland. Like yesterday, Switzerland’s Adrian Moser was the first of the match to score. Team Japan was able to quickly get into its offensive groove, led by Takayuki and Seiya Norimatsu, and took an 8-4 lead after the first quarter. What Switzerland lacked in team depth they made up for in effort, especially on the defensive side of the court. Their full court pressure mixed with a half court zone defense kept them within striking distance throughout the match, and the first half ended with Japan up 17-8. The Norimatsu brothers took a rest in the third quarter making way for Hitoshi Ogawa and Hidefumi Wakayama who had fantastic offensive performances scoring 7 and 6 points respectively. Switzerland, as usual, never gave up and showed equal scoring abilities from the 0.5s to 1.5s. Still, Japan took the match in a 36-16 victory.

Match two featured Great Britain and USA. GB started off strong with their trademark speed and passing and jumped out to a 14-1 lead to end the first quarter. USA got into a tight zone defense to slow down GB’s offense, but the momentum remained with the British. In the second half, Great Britain’s Nick Cummins got a well-deserved rest while Daniel Kellett, Sam Dickinson, and Luke Wilson put their offensive abilities on display. For Team USA, Zac Bradley, John Milstead, Mike DeYoung and Jeremy Hannaford had a standout second half with clutch catches, tries and defensive stops. GB maintained control and secured a 47-12 victory.

Red and white covered the court for match three as Canada took on Switzerland. Both teams were looking to snag their first win of the tournament, and both came out with full court presses, making it difficult for either side to score. Christian Hahnel was the first to cross the try line for Switzerland midway through the first quarter, while the offensive duo of Trevor Hirschfield and Patrice Dagenais kept the scores coming for Canada. Quarter one ended with a 14-5 Canadian advantage. Canada’s depth was put on display in the second half as each athlete played solid minutes and contributed on both sides of the court. For Switzerland, the starting four of Christian Hahnel, Adrian Moser, Peter Roos and Patrick Gosteli played most of the match, but every athlete on the squad tallied a try. In the end, Canada came out on top 37-15.

The afternoon began with USA vs Germany in match four. As in previous matches, USA filled the box with a tight zone defense to slow down Germany’s offense. But Germany showed patience and was able to use the clock and diligently work to sneak past the try line. This allowed Germany to end the first quarter with a 17-4 lead. The American starting line of Jeremy Hannaford, Daniel Ortiz, Joel Rodriguez and John Milstead showed improved passing and composure in the second quarter, but the speed of Germany’s Thomas Schuwje shut down the American’s offensive momentum, and the half ended with Germany up 34-9. In the second half Florian Bongard teamed up with Niklas Braschoss for a breakout offensive performance, scoring a third of the team’s points and leading Germany to a 59-15 win.

Day two ended with the most anticipated match of the day – Japan vs Great Britain. Team GB came out of the huddle on fire, winning the tip and recording the first 4 points of the match from Myles Pearson, Nick Cummins and Daniel Kellett. The Norimatsu brothers were quickly subbed out, which provided opportunity for Hidefumi Wakayama to score Japan’s first try, but the stifling full court defense of GB made it tough for Japan to cross the goal line. GB continued its defensive strategy, pinning one or two of Japan’s high pointers in the back court and forcing the low pointers to handle the ball and score. At the end of the first, GB was up 5-12. The Norimatsu brothers stared the second quarter, providing momentum to Japan’s offense, but Great Britain continued to dominate both sides of the court and finished the first half with a 23-11 lead. Japan showed renewed energy in the third and fourth quarters, led by Hitoshi Ogawa and Hidefumi Wakayama, but it was not enough to overtake the defensive pressure from the British who ended the day with a 46-27 victory.

Tomorrow marks the final day of round-robin play and will determine Sunday’s matchups for the bronze and gold medal games. Great Britain looks like the team to beat, while Japan, Germany and Canada all have eyes on the podium. For USA and Switzerland, their biggest battle will come tomorrow afternoon when they face off and look to secure their first win.

Day Two Results

• Match 1: Japan 36, Switzerland 16
• Match 2: Great Britain 47, USA 12
• Match 3: Canada 37, Switzerland 15
• Match 4: Germany 59, USA 15
• Match 5: Great Britain 46, Japan 27

• Canada 1-2
• Great Britain 4-0
• Germany 2-1
• Japan 3-1
• Switzerland 0-3
• USA 0-3

Day Three Schedule

Saturday, July 16

All times are listed in UTC-6

• 9:00 USA vs Canada
• 11:00 Switzerland vs Germany
• 13:00 Canada vs Japan
• 15:00 Great Britain vs Germany
• 17:00 Switzerland vs USA

It was an exciting Day One of low point wheelchair rugby competition at The World Games. Competition started with a matchup between Japan and USA. The dynamic duo of brothers Seiya and Takayuki Norimatsu got Japan off to a strong start, and they never looked back defeating USA 50, 14. USA’s young squad never backed down and had a bright third quarter causing multiple turnovers for Japan. Joel Rodriguez had a strong offensive performance for Team USA and led the way in scoring.

Germany and Canada met in match number two of the day. It was close throughout. Trevor Hirschfield and Patrice Dagenais served up a one-two punch across the try line for Canada, and Germany showed fantastic team play as well. Their text book offensive transition set up picking angles and passing lanes, which resulted in tries for all of the players from the 1.5s to the 0.5s. Additionally, their full court defense caused key turnovers in the third and fourth quarters. Despite playing the same four athletes – Britta Kripke, Robert Teichmann, Thomas Schuwje and Christian Riedel – for almost the entire game, Germany had enough energy left in the tank to pull away in the fourth and take a 41-33 victory over Canada.

Game three was a matchup between European rivals Great Britain and Switzerland. While Switzerland’s 0.5 player Peter Roos was the first to score, GB quickly took control of the game with the offensive power of Myles Pearson and Nicholas Cummins. At the end of the second quarter, GB was up 27-9. Team Switzerland never gave up and never stopped pushing. 1.0 player Adrian Moser had a standout performance, playing almost the entire match and making important offensive and defensive plays. Still, Great Britain was too strong to overcome and won 51-17.

Match four turned the heat up in the chilly Birmingham Crossplex arena as Japan and Germany went head-to-head. It was a back-and-forth match from the start. Once again, Seiya and Takayuki Norimatsu led the way in scoring for Japan while Robert Teichmann and Thomas Schuwje were Germany’s offensive duo. Japan ended the first period with a 9-7 lead, but Germany came back in the second period, ending the first half with a 16-16 tie. Team Germany scored first to start the third, but it was quickly followed up by a Japan try. Two back-to-back turnovers by Germany allowed Japan to once again take the lead 19-17. Costly turnovers by Germany in the third and fourth periods and defensive stops by Japan allowed them to extend their lead and take a 35-30 victory.

The day ended with Canada taking on Great Britain. Both teams showed balanced play and scoring ability from 1.5s to 0.5s, and the first period ended in a 9 all tie. The speed and defensive pressure of Great Britain caused key Canadian turnovers in the second and allowed them to take a 21-16 lead going into the half. Defense was the name of this game. Both sides applied pressure in the full and half court making it difficult for either side to score. Once again, the speed of Myles Pearson and passing ability of Nicholas Cummins gave GB the advantage, and they cruised to a 42-30 victory to end the day.

Day One Results

• Match 1: Japan 50, USA 14
• Match 2: Germany 41, Canada 33
• Match 3: Great Britain 51, Switzerland 17
• Match 4: Japan 35, Germany 30
• Match 5: Great Britain 42, Canada 30

• Canada 0-2
• Great Britain 2-0
• Germany 1-1
• Japan 2-0
• Switzerland 0-2
• USA 0-2

Day Two Schedule

Friday, July 15

All times are listed in UTC-6

• 9:00 Japan vs Switzerland
• 11:00 Great Britain vs USA
• 13:00 Canada vs Switzerland
• 15:00 Germany vs USA
• 17:00 Japan vs Great Britain