Brantford wheelchair basketball tournament raises $7,000

Brantford wheelchair basketball tournament raises 7000

Branlyn Neighborhood Association came out on top Saturday winning the 26th wheelchair basketball tournament in Brantford.

Article content

Twelve teams participated at the Branlyn Community Center raising just over $7,000 for the tournament organizers, Brantwood Community Services and Participation Support Services.

Article content

“It was another big success,” said co-organizer Doug Hunt, director of fundraising, marketing and volunteers at Participation Support Services. “We’re a great partnership between Brantwood Community Services and Participation Support Services.”

Co-organizer Tracy Humphrey, Brantwood director of services, said there were two new teams and several returning teams. “There’s room for more next year.”

Branlyn Neighborhood Association’s Danielle Kusch, left, looks to pass to a teammate, defended by Brantford Police Association’s Chris Grantham, during Saturday’s wheelchair basketball tournament in Brantford. CHRIS ABBOTT jpg, TN, apsmc

Branlyn Neighborhood Association, the tournament’s major sponsor, defeated Brantford Police Association 10-8 in Saturday’s championship final.

The team Another Round raised more than $1,900 and Spokebenders, winners of Saturday’s consolation final defeating Brantwood Community Services 18-14, raised more than $1,200.

wheelchair basketball
Steven Sun, Brantwood Community Services, moves the ball up the court Saturday during the 26th Brantford wheelchair basketball consolation final at the Branlyn Community Centre. CHRIS ABBOTT jpg, TN, apsmc

Most teams had once-a-year wheelchair basketball players, said Humphrey, who come back year after year.

“I think it’s just a different experience. You think you can play basketball but it’s harder (in a wheelchair). Everybody’s sore afterwards, using muscles they don’t normally use. And trying to stay in your chair… you really get an appreciation for it.”

[email protected]

Share this article in your social network

pso1