Get ready for a thunderous event as five wheelchair rugby teams descend upon Sydney to take to the court at the 2013 GIO National Wheelchair Rugby Championships (NWRC) from Wednesday 14th to Friday 16th August at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.
This year is an exciting one as five teams battle it out for the title of National Champion, including an overseas contingent. The teams participating this year are the GIO NSW Gladiators, Victoria Protect Thunder, Suncorp QLD Cyclones, Asteron Western Enforcers and the Vero New Zealand Te Waka Hou Rugby Team all vying for their chance to win the 2013 National Championship title.
The current National Wheelchair Rugby Champion title holders are Queensland, but this year the finals will be no less fierce than previous clashes for the prized National Title. It will be a gruelling three day event with lots of clashes as the five teams battle it out to take home the crown. This year it could be the turning of the tide as there is a fantastic line up from all the teams.
“The 2013 GIO National Wheelchair Rugby Championships will be an impressive event that is not to be missed. The National Championships are the culmination of all the hard work from all the players and their team members through previous tournaments earlier in the year.” Peter Tate, Executive Officer Australian Athletes With a Disability (AAWD).
AAWD would first like to express a heartfelt thanks to GIO for sponsoring the 2013 National Championships. Due to GIO’s amazing ongoing support, AAWD and Wheelchair Sports NSW are dually privileged to be hosting the 2013 NWRC at the internationally esteemed Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.
GIO are generous not only in financial support to all teams this year, but are truly inclusive and passionate in support of this sport, and have made it possible for Wheelchair Rugby to reach a wider audience through television and online video live-streaming. A special thanks to Aurora Community Channel for airing the TV program, as well as the Australian Sports Commission for their ongoing financial support.
If this event was big on its own it has now been enhanced by the support of a true Rugby Union legend in the shape of Stirling Mortlock. As ambassador of the 2013 GIO National Wheelchair Rugby Championships Stirling will be appearing on the final day of competition on Friday to conduct meet and greets, have photo opportunities and help present medals.
“You might’ve seen some big clashes before, but nothing compares with the full-on action of wheelchair rugby. Join me at the finals of the 2013 GIO National Wheelchair Rugby Championship and support the best players in the country including members of Australia’s gold-medal winning team from the London Paralympic Games.” Stirling Mortlock.
The Steelers are currently ranked number two in the world and the 2013 NWRC will surely give sports fans a close up opportunity to see the world’s best players in action. This is a fantastic opportunity to come and support the elite athletes at this premiere location showcasing the skills which brought home the Gold at the London 2012 Paralympics. The world famous players are coming from all over the country to compete in Sydney.
Live Webcast
For those who can’t make it to the action, the Grand Final match will be broadcasted live at www.nwrl.sportingpulse.net. So make sure you tune in to catch latest results and the action as it happens.
2013 GIO National Wheelchair Rugby Championships
Game Schedule
Wednesday 14th August
10:00am – GIO NSW Gladiators vs. Suncorp Queensland
11:30am – Asteron Western Enforcers vs. Victoria Protect Thunder
1:30pm – Suncorp Queensland vs. Vero New Zealand Te Waka Hou
3:00pm – Asteron Western Enforcers vs. GIO NSW Gladiators
4:30pm – Vero New Zealand Te Waka Hou vs. Victoria Protect Thunder
Thursday 15th August
10:00am - Victoria Protect Thunder vs. GIO NSW Gladiators
11:30am - Asteron Western Enforcers vs. Suncorp Queensland
1:30pm - GIO NSW Gladiators vs. Vero New Zealand Te Waka Hou
3:00pm - Suncorp Queensland vs. Victoria Protect Thunder
4:30pm - Asteron Western Enforcers vs. Vero New Zealand Te Waka Hou
Friday 16th August
11:00am – Semi Final 1: 2nd vs. 3rd
12:30pm – Semi Final 2: 1st vs. 4th
4:30pm – Bronze Playoff Loser Semi 1 vs. Loser Semi 2
6:00pm – Exhibition Game 5th vs. GIO Team
7:00pm – Grand Final Winner Semi 1 vs. Winner Semi 2
For more information, please contact:
Australian Athletes With a Disability
(02) 8116 9720
info@sports.org.au
Last Modified on 13/08/2013 14:22