Bethan Fagan

British Wheelchair Basketball continually reviews its policies and procedures to ensure we are implementing strong governance across the sport.

The following policies have been updated and are now live on the BWB website. A summary of changes are as follows:

• Eligibility and Classification Policy
• Classification Eligibility Criteria
• Risk Assessment Procedure – DBS and Self-declaration
• Rehabilitation of Offenders Policy
• Closed Training Session Policy

Policies can be found on our policies page: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/rules-regulations/policies/

In Spain, CD Ilunion (Gregg Warburton, Terry Bywater) won 95:63 at home against Mideba Extremadura. Gregg Warburton had 30 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists. Terry Bywater had 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Bidaideak Bilbao (James MacSorley) won 61:75 on the road against Amivel Reyes Gutierrez (Abdi Jama, Kyle Marsh). For Amivel Reyes Gutierrez, Abdi Jama had 17 points and 2 assists. Kyle Marsh had 12 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists.

UCAM Murcia (Lee Fryer, Peter Cusack) delivered a strong performance over IMF Getafe, winning 36:90. Lee Fryer had 17 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists. Peter Cusack had 23 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists.

Iberconsa Amfiv (Lewis Edwards) were defeated 80:66 by Econy Gran Canaria.

In Italy, Briantea 84 Cantù (Sophie Carrigill) won 42:81 against hosts Santa Lucia Sport.

In Germany, Rhine River Rhinos (Jim Palmer) won 50:60 over Doneck Dolphins Trier. Jim Palmer had 2 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist.

At the University of Texas at Arlington Tournament, University of Alabama (Joy Haizelden) went 3/3. In their first game, Alabama won 54:19 against Arizona. In their second game, Alabama won 66:48 against hosts Arlington. In the final game of the tournament, Alabama finished strong with a 57:33 win over Illinois.

In the BWB Women’s Premier League, Worcester Wolves (Kayla Bell) had a 47:58 victory on the road against hosts Cardiff Met Archers (Jade Atkin). For Wolves, Kayla Bell had 2 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. For Archers, Jade Atkin had 23 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

Loughborough Lightning (Siobhán Fitzpatrick, Robyn Love, Lucy Robinson, Maddie Martin, Anastasia Blease, Laurie Williams) had a comprehensive 26:64 victory over league rivals East London Phoenix (Amy Conroy, Jude Hamer). For Lightning, Robyn Love had 15 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Lucy Robinson had 18 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist. Maddie Martin had 2 rebounds and 3 assists. Anastasia Blease had 6 points and 5 rebounds. Laurie Williams had 4 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists. For Phoenix, Amy Conroy had 12 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists.

Spanish League: http://bsr.feddf.es/

German League: https://rollstuhlbasketball.de/

BWB National League: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/national-league/

BWB Women’s Premier League: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/womens-premier-league-2023-24-2/

University of Alabama (USA): https://bamaadapted.com/sports/wbball?path=wbball 

Italian League: https://www.federipic.it/

Photo credit: BWB / SA Images

ParalympicsGB and its partners across the UK’s sport and activity community have urged the UK Government to reconsider its decision to remove the role of a dedicated minister of state for disabled people in an open letter to the Prime Minister published on 11 January.

2024 will see Paris host the Paralympic Games from 28 August to 8 September; which will shine a spotlight on sport and disability and promote inclusion.

In December 2023 the UK Government announced that the role of a dedicated minister for disabled people would be merged with a junior ministerial role in the Department for Work and Pensions.

57 organisations from across the sport and activity sector have come together to express their concern at the government’s decision which gives the message that 24 per cent of the population (16 million people) are not a Government priority.

Recognising that sport is a powerful platform for driving positive social change, ParalympicsGB and its partners have called for the national pride we have in Paralympic sport to be reflected in the Government’s priorities.

ParalympicsGB Chief Executive, David Clarke, said: “As we enter this Paralympic year, the government has a unique opportunity to deliver on promises within their disability and sport strategies. There is the chance to shine a spotlight on disability sport to help promote equal opportunities for disabled people across our society.

“The lack of a senior role within Government sends the message to the 16 million disabled people in this country that they do not have a voice at the top level of government. It is so important that disabled people are valued for the important role that they play across our society.

“That is why we and our partners from across the system are urging the government to reverse its decision and ensure that there is representation at the very top so we can work towards achieving equality for disabled people in this country.”

British Wheelchair Basketball Chief Executive, who has supported the BPA on this call for change, added: “I am terribly disappointed in the UK government’s decision to no longer have a minister for disabled people.

“With this one decision, the government have stated that 24 per cent of the population are not a priority and do not need to have their voices heard. Furthermore, absorbing the role into a junior DWP position demonstrates that people with a disability are simply viewed as benefit claimants rather than being valued for the important role that they play across our society.

“We have a major problem in this country around attitudes to disability and decisions like this only compound the issue. We need to change the narrative so that nearly a quarter of the people in our country are valued, recognised, and heard.  Only by ensuring that we have representation for disabled people within our government will this change.”

Read the letter here: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/mdocs-posts/david-clarke-letter-to-pm-11-jan-24/

Please note that the BWB Office will be closed for the festive period from 22nd December – 1st January inclusive.

We hope all players, team staff, volunteers and officials enjoy the break – see you next year!

I am terribly disappointed in the UK government’s decision to no longer have a minister for disabled people. With this one decision, they have stated that around 24% of the UK population, that’s over 16 MILLION people who have a disability, do not matter. They do not need to have a voice or be heard. Their rights are not important. 

A lot of hard work has gone into striving for gender, race, and ethnic equality in the UK, so why is disability not given the same level of recognition?

We have a major problem in this country around attitudes to disability and it undoubtedly stems from decisions like this. We need to change the narrative so that nearly a quarter of people in our country are not dismissed as irrelevant and unimportant but instead are valued, recognised, and heard.  Only by ensuring that we have representation at the top of our establishments will this change. Until then, we will continue to shout as loud as we can and fight every step of the way so that we do achieve genuine equality for everyone.  

I have written to several MPs, including the current Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Minister for Women and Equalities, and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work), and I urge you to add your voice. Contact information can be found on the Gov.uk site: https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers  

In Spain, Bidaideak Bilbao (James MacSorley) claimed a 81:78 victory in a thrilling game against visitors Servigest Burgos (Helen Freeman). For Bidaideak Bilbao, James MacSorley had 2 points and 1 assist. For Servigest Burgos, Helen Freeman had 1 assist.

UCAM Murcia (Lee Fryer, Peter Cusack) had a 61:57 victory at home against Menarini Joventut. Lee Fryer had 14 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Peter Cusack had 11 points and 2 assists.

Iberconsa Amfiv (Lewis Edwards) won 72:51 against Fundacion Aliados

In Italy, Briantea 84 Cantù (Sophie Carrigill) secured a 40:66 victory on the road against Special Bergamo Sport Montello. Sophie Carrigill had 2 rebounds.

In Germany, Rhine River Rhinos (Jim Palmer) conceded 48:65 to RSV Lahn-Dill. Jim Palmer had 4 rebounds.

In the USA, University of Alabama (Joy Haizelden) hosted the Powerade Invitational women’s competition. Alabama won all 4 games, beating Arizona 62:38, securing a 74:33 victory against University of Wisconsin Whitewater, and beating UT Arlington in two games by 54:35 in the first and 68:48 in the second.

At home in the National League Premier Division, Sheffield Steelers (Maddie Thompson) won 75:55 over Jaguars.

In the BWB Women’s Premier League, East London Phoenix (Amy Conroy) played their first game of the season against Cardiff Met Archers (Jade Atkin), securing a 76:55 win. For Phoenix, Amy Conroy had 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. For Archers, Jade Atkin had 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists.

In their second game of the weekend, East London Phoenix (Amy Conroy) travelled to play Worcester Wolves (Kayla Bell), claiming another victory with a 41:62 final score. For Wolves, Kayla Bell had 2 points and 1 rebound. For Phoenix, Amy Conroy had 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Spanish League: http://bsr.feddf.es/

German League: https://rollstuhlbasketball.de/

BWB National League: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/national-league/

BWB Women’s Premier League: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/womens-premier-league-2023-24-2/

Italian League: https://www.federipic.it/

University of Alabama (USA): https://bamaadapted.com/sports/wbball?path=wbball

Photo credit: BWB / SA Images

At home in the BWB Women’s Premier League, Loughborough Lightning (Siobhán Fitzpatrick, Robyn Love, Lucy Robinson, Maddie Martin, Anastasia Blease) secured a 75:51 victory over Cardiff Met Archers (Jade Atkin). For Lightning, Robyn Love had 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists. Lucy Robinson had 10 points and 7 rebounds. Maddie Martin had 8 points and 1 rebound. Anastasia Blease had 4 points. For Archers, Jade Atkin had 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.

In their second game of the weekend, Loughborough Lightning (Siobhán Fitzpatrick, Robyn Love, Lucy Robinson, Maddie Martin, Anastasia Blease) claimed another win against Worcester Wolves (Kayla Bell), winning 60:33. For Lightning, Robyn Love had 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Lucy Robinson had 5 rebounds and 1 assist. Maddie Martin had 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. Anastasia Blease had 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. For Wolves, Kayla Bell had 3 rebounds.

In Spain, Amivel Reyes Gutierrez (Abdi Jama, Kyle Marsh) claimed a 65:60 victory over Iberconsa Amfiv (Lewis Edwards). For Amivel Reyes Gutierrez, Abdi Jama had 2 points and 2 assists. Kyle Marsh had 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists.

CD Ilunion (Gregg Warburton, Terry Bywater) had a comprehensive 74:36 win over Servigest Burgos (Helen Freeman). For CD Ilunion, Gregg Warburton had 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists. Terry Bywater had 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. For Servigest Burgos, Helen Freeman had 2 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist.

Bidaideak Bilbao (James MacSorley) secured a 72:68 win against Mideba Extremadura.

Amiab Albacete (Harry Brown, Simon Brown, Ben Fox, Lee Manning, Charlotte Moore, Phil Pratt) secured a 71:44 win against Menarini Joventut. For Albacete, Harry Brown had 2 points and 1 rebound. Simon Brown had 2 points. Ben Fox had 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.  Lee Manning had 1 rebound and 1 assist. Phil Pratt had 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 20 assists.

UCAM Murcia (Lee Fryer, Peter Cusack) claimed a 78:76 victory on the road against ECONY Gran Canaria. Lee Fryer had 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists. Peter Cusack had 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists.

In Italy, Briantea 84 Cantù (Sophie Carrigill) had a successful week, claiming a 88:49 victory against G.S.D Porto Torres and beating Farmacia Pellicanò with a dominant 67:36.  

In the USA, University of Alabama (Joy Haizelden) competed in the Whitewater Tournament hosted by University of Wisconsin. Alabama won all of their games, beating University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 80:26, University of Illinois 57:36, Arizona 76:38, and winning against City University of New York.

Spanish League: http://bsr.feddf.es/

German League: https://rollstuhlbasketball.de/

BWB National League: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/national-league/

Italian League: https://www.federipic.it/

University of Alabama (USA): https://bamaadapted.com/sports/wbball?path=wbball

Photo credit: BWB / SA Images

At home in the BWB National League Premier Division, Manchester Revolution (Martin Edwards, Tyler Baines) won 84:68 at home against the visiting London Titans (Jack Perry, Jude Hamer, Gaz Choudhry). For Manchester Revolution, Martin Edwards had 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Tyler Baines had 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. For the London Titans, Jack Perry had 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Gaz Choudhry had 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 13 assists.  

In the first Women’s Premier League game of the season, Cardiff Met Archers (Jade Atkin) won 58:47 against Worcester Wolves (Kayla Bell). For Archers, Jade Atkin had 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. For Wolves, Kayla Bell had 4 points and 3 rebounds.  

In Spain, Bidaideak Bilbao (James MacSorley) claimed a 72:98 victory against Iberconsa Amfiv (Lewis Edwards). For Bidaideak Bilbao, James MacSorley had 8 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist.  

Amivel Reyes Gutierrez (Abdi Jama, Kyle Marsh) secured a 64:67 win against Servigest Burgos (Helen Freeman). For Amivel Reyes Gutierrez, Abdi Jama had 5 assists. Kyle Marsh had 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists.  

CD Ilunion (Gregg Warburton, Terry Bywater) had a dominant 54:99 win on the road over UCAM Murcia (Lee Fryer, Peter Cusack). For UCAM Murcia, Lee Fryer had 8 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Peter Cusack had 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. For CD Ilunion, Gregg Warburton had 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists. Terry Bywater had 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.  

Amiab Albacete (Harry Brown, Simon Brown, Ben Fox, Lee Manning, Charlotte Moore, Phil Pratt) remained undefeated, securing a dominant 41:85 victory against IMF Getafe. For Amiab Albacete, Harry Brown had 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist. Simon Brown had 2 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Ben Fox had 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Charlotte Moore had 2 points. Phil Pratt had 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists.  

In Italy, Briantea 84 Cantù (Sophie Carrigill) won 51-68 on the road against S. Stefano.  

In Germany, Rhine River Rhinos (Jim Palmer) were narrowly defeated by BBC Münsterland 48:41. Jim Palmer had 3 points and 2 assists.  

Spanish League: http://bsr.feddf.es/

German League: https://rollstuhlbasketball.de/

BWB National League: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/national-league/

Italian League: https://www.federipic.it/

University of Alabama (USA): https://bamaadapted.com/sports/wbball?path=wbball

Photo credit: BWB / SA Images