The Community Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the achievements of highly dedicated members of our sporting community in the past season.
A tribute to Jo Coates-McGrath
All at British Wheelchair Basketball are deeply saddened by the passing of Jo Coates-McGrath, following a short period of illness.
Jo embodied the spirit of the sport of wheelchair basketball, fostering a great sense of community and teamwork in every area she was involved in. Jo was a key figure at every level of Welsh basketball, from supporting new players gaining entry to the sport for the first time, all the way to athletes earning their first GB vests.
On court, Jo supported a variety of teams and clubs. This included the Welsh national teams at all age groups, Cardiff Met Archers National League, Women’s Premier League, and Women’s League teams, and most recently Wales 3×3 squads as they prepare for their Glasgow 2026 qualification tournament. Jo was also part of BWB’s Competitions Working Group, where she provided experience and expertise to help develop the future of the sport.
Outside wheelchair basketball, Jo continually endeavoured for better opportunities for access to sport, fitness and wellbeing for the disabled community through her work with organisations such as Disability Sport Wales, Cardiff City Council, and Cardiff Met Archers.
Justine Baynes, CEO of British Wheelchair Basketball, said:
“We are tremendously sad about the loss of Jo. She meant so much to so many people in our sport, having worked tirelessly to support Welsh athletes and encourage new people into the sport. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by her death, particularly our friend and colleague Steve and all of Jo’s family.”
Cardiff Met Sport have shared their tribute on their Instagram.
Edit 20/03/2026 – Funeral details posted by Cardiff Met Archers:
Jo Coates-McGrath’s funeral will take place on Wednesday 25th March at 3:30pm at Thornhill Crematorium in the Wenallt Chapel.
As Jo meant so much to so many, the chapel may not be able to accommodate everyone, so the service will also be streamed in the Inspiration Suite at the Village Hotel Cardiff, where we will gather afterwards to spend time together sharing stories and celebrating Jo’s life in the way she would have wanted.
The rooms will be available from 3pm. In keeping with Jo’s personality, this will not be a formal occasion, please don’t feel obliged to wear traditional black, and instead feel free to wear a sports top from a team you play for, a team connected to Jo, something pink, or anything bright and colourful.
We kindly ask for no flowers, for anyone who wishes to make a donation in Jo’s memory, a fund is being set up to support Junior Wheelchair Basketball opportunities: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/disabilitysportwales
View similar posts
Basketball Scotland have announced their Men’s and Women’s squads set to play in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball competitions.
The GB Men and GB Women’s senior performance squads are readying themselves for the challenge coming this September as the IWBF World Championships 2026 take place in Ottawa, Canada.
FIMBA GB have announced their first ever wheelchair basketball team, set to represent Great Britain…
Our partners
