Back to it!

It’s been over a month since the World Championships and already it seems like so long ago. After the intensity of the pre-tournament build up and the actual competition, this has been a welcome period of “down-time” where I’ve been able to relax and take stock of things. I’ve taken a holiday in Vancouver, spent some good quality time with my girlfriend and caught up with a few of my friends. It’s so important to take these opportunities when they’re there, because all too soon it’ll be back to work again!

Looking back, I’m disappointed that we finished sixth but extremely proud of the way our team performed under pressure. The squad suffered some misfortune in the form of illness during the tournament, which meant that less experienced players had to step up on the biggest stage; and they did! Elite sport is all about opportunity and they took theirs to strengthen their position to be part of the 2012 squad. Now is the time to consolidate and take forward what we learned at the Worlds as we begin preparations for the European Championships in 2011. You can find a full write up from Vancouver at…

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/9044953.stm

While you’re checking out links I’m happy to announce GBWR’s new website has been up and running for a few weeks now. The site will give you comprehensive news of everything happening in Wheelchair Rugby around the UK at the moment!

http://www.gbwr.org.uk/main/index.php

As for me right now, I suffered a minor shoulder injury after the Championships so have been receiving treatment and advice to make sure my body is fully fit to return to a full training regime. I’ve been doing some conditioning alongside the physio and I had my first weights and rugby sessions this week. The squad have had their group debrief and I’ve also met with the coach individually to broadly discuss my plans for the next few months. I’ll be undergoing some baseline testing in the next couple of weeks and will continue to maintain my fitness thereafter.

I’ve also been doing my share of PR on behalf of Paralympics GB. As an elite athlete, I’m required to do a certain amount of ambassadorial work with some of our key sponsors. I’ve attended two engagements in central London in the last week. The first was a prize draw at the headquarters of “EDF Energy”, who have made Paralympics GB their Charity of the Year and the second was a fundraising dinner with “Visa” as part of Team 2012. Team 2012 is designed to raise money for Olympic and Paralympic sport in the UK to add to the funds received from the National Lottery and the Government. Both engagements were thoroughly enjoyable and a great chance to meet some of the people who have helped Paralympics GB be as successful as they are.

Before I go, I just wanted to leave you with one final piece of news. The competition dates for Wheelchair Rugby at the London Paralympic Games have been set. We will compete from the 5th to the 9th of September 2012. Book your holiday now, it’s going to a hell of a show!

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