THE COUNTESS of Wessex gave her royal seal of approval to another action-packed competition at the University of Worcester Arena when she paid a visit.
Her Royal Highness, who is British Wheelchair Basketball’s Royal Patron, oversaw the National Finals of the BWB Inclusive Zone Basketball Schools Competition at the Hylton Road venue last Wednesday (May 7).
Countess Sophie spent time watching the frenetic action and met the dozens of participants who were from the eight regional champion teams.
Malcolm Tarkenter, British Wheelchair Basketball chairman, said everyone was delighted to meet the Countess.
“It has been a real privilege to have our Royal Patron HRH the Countess of Wessex and Vice President Sir Philip Craven MBE here with us today to celebrate their achievement,” he said.
“Once again we’ve been treated to a fantastic sporting occasion by all the schools and huge congratulations must go to all of them for reaching the national finals.
“This year’s IZB Schools Competition has seen over 300 pupils of all physical abilities take to court.”
After a day of hugely competitive wheelchair basketball, NEW College Pontefract from Yorkshire were crowned the champions, with London based Haberdashers’ Aske’s Knights Academy taking the silver medal.
A team from Tudor Grange Academy, the West Midlands regional champions, came a respectable fifth.
Lucy Taylor, PE teacher at the Bilford Road School, said: “The team performed really well.
“They have shown great teamwork, using each others knowledge of the game to help one another together.
“I love the concept of the IZB. I don’t know any other sport off the top of my head where non-disabled and disabled players can play together on the same team and where this is actively encouraged – it’s a great opportunity for different age groups and players of differing abilities to come together.”
