WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL: WARWICKSHIRE member Dan Gill helped Team GB bag a bronze medal at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada.
After being injured in Afghanistan, Dan started his basketball career with the Bears in 2013 and has since gone from strength to strength.
While moving up through the various teams, Gill has helped Bears gain promotion. His rapid improvement ultimately resulted in him being rewarded for his hard work with a spot in Team GB’s Invictus squad.
After winning all their group stage matches – against teams including New Zealand, Australia, and Denmark – GB were set a tough semi-final task against Holland.
Despite losing to Holland, Team GB won the bronze medal match against Denmark.
Furthermore, Gill – who was cheered on throughout the competition by his new-born daughter – emerged from the competition as leading points scorer for the British squad.
He said: “Competing in the Invictus games was a massive honour for me.
“To come away with a bronze was amazing – as a team we did amazingly well.
“I couldn’t have done it without help along the way from my family, my local team Bears Wheelchair Basketball Club and the team at Coalition Performance.”
Bears head coach Tom Masterson said he’s immensely proud of Dan’s achievements from across the water.
He added: “It’s been an outstanding year for Dan.
“It’s all credit to his hard work and dedication.
“Hopefully another ex-service person will be inspired by Dan and the amazing Invictus team and will put themselves forward for future Invictus Games events.”
To join Warwickshire Bears wheelchair basketball club, contact Tom Masterson on 07946 518354. Players of all abilities are welcome to join in the club’s Tuesday evening sessions at Warwickshire College sports hall in Henley.
Bears 3 23-58 Wolverhampton WSC
BEARS’ third team took to the court for their first game in the National League, which ended up in heavy defeat to Wolverhampton.
Junior players Aaron Grant, Jack Sheehy and Lydia Brocklebank made their debuts as Bears found the going tough from the start.
Additional experience within the Wolverhampton side was evident as they cruised to a 58-23 win. But coach Jacob Robinson remained upbeat about his side’s efforts.
He said: “It is always tough to start the season with a loss.
“But considering it is a new group of players that have never really played together as a team before outside of a training environment, it is impossible to be disappointed.
“Everyone played with passion and determination, and we have come away with plenty to work on.
“This will allow us to build and grow as a team as the season goes on.”
Bears are next in action on Sunday, October 15, when all three teams face London Titans 2 and 3 while the return fixture against Wolverhampton rounds off proceedings.
