MEDIA KIT Team Canada Women Visit: .CA for more information

MEDIA CONTACTS

IN CANADA: General Inquiries or to schedule an interview:

EMMA VAN STEEN

Communications & Media Relations Assistant Wheelchair Basketball Canada work: (613) 260 -1296 ext. 200 cell: (613) 853 – 8267 [email protected]

PRESS ATTACHÉ OVERSEAS:

JODY KINGSBURY

Communications & Media Relations Manager Wheelchair Basketball Canada work: (613) 260 -1296 ext. 204 cell: (613) 851 – 2337 [email protected]

ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT

The Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association (GBWBA) will host the 2010 Men’s & Women’s World Wheelchair Basketball Championships July 5-17th, 2010 in Birmingham, United Kingdom - just two years before the London 2012 Olympic Games and .

This International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) event (which is held every four years) will be staged at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena in July 2010 and will be organised by GBWBA and Birmingham City Council, with support from the National Lottery through UK Sport’s World Class Events Programme.

The tournament will see 12 men’s and 10 women’s teams compete in the most important and biggest wheelchair basketball event before the London 2012 Paralympic Games. COMPETITION SCHEDULE

ABOUT TEAM CANADA

Both the Canadian Men’s and Women’s National Teams are the defending World Wheelchair Basketball Champions - having won the previous World Championships held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands in 2006.

The Canadian women are striving for an incredible 5th straight World Championship Title.

TEAM CANADA MEN

The 2010 Canadian Men’s Wheelchair Basketball 12-Man Roster features eight players who competed in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics where the team won silver (Johnson, Lancia, Eng, Durepos, Rouillard, Peter, Hedges, and Fatah Dini), and six who won gold at the 2006 World Championships (Johnson, Lancia, Eng, Durepos, Peter, and Poulin).

Historical Record (at Major International Competitions)

2008 - Paralympic Games in Beijing, China - Silver 2006 - World Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands - Gold 2004 - Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece - Gold 2002 - World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan - Bronze 2000 - Paralympic Games in , Australia - Gold 1998 - World Championships in Sydney, Australia - Bronze 1996 - Paralympic Games in , USA - 5th 1994 - World Championships in Edmonton, Canada - Bronze

TEAM CANADA WOMEN

The 2010 Canadian Women’s 12-Man Roster features 7 players who competed in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics where the team placed 5th (McLachlan, Feser, Ouellet, Benoit, Ferguson, Ohama, and Harnock), and 4 players who won gold at the 2006 World Championships (Benoit, Ferguson, Ohama, and Harnock).

Historical Record (at Major International Competitions)

2008 - Paralympic Games in Beijing, China - 5th 2006 - World Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands - Gold 2004 - Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece - Bronze 2002 - World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan - Gold 2000 - Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia - Gold 1998 - World Championships in Sydney, Australia - Gold 1996 - Paralympic Games in Atlanta, USA - Gold 1994 - World Championships in Edmonton, Canada - Gold 1992 - Paralympic Games in , Spain - Gold 1990 - World Championships in France - Bronze 2010 TEAM CANADA / L'ÉQUIPE CANADIENNE Sr. Women's Wheelchair Basketball Team / féminine de basketball en fauteuil roulant

NUMBER / CLASS / D.O.B / BIRTHPLACE / HEIGHT / CLUB TEAM / ÉQUIPE DU NAME / NOM RESIDES / RÉSIDE NUMÉRO POINTAGE NAISSANCE VILLE NATALE TAILLE CLUB

4 ALLARD, Elaine 1.5 25-Feb-77 Montreal, QC St. Eustache, QC 5'6 C.I.V.A.

5 McLACHLAN, Janet 4.5 26-Aug-77 Vancouver, BC Vancouver, BC 6'0 BC Breakers / U of Alabama

6 OHAMA, Kendra 2.5 01-Jan-65 Brooks, AB Calgary, AB 5'1 Calgary Rollers

7 OUELLET, Cindy 3.5 08-Dec-88 Rivière-Du-Loup, QC Quebec, QC 5'2 Quebec Bulldogs / U of Alabama

8 LAFLECHE, Nancy 4.0 22-Dec-73 Cornwall, ON Vancouver, BC 6'0 BC Breakers

9 BENOIT, Chantal 3.5 01-Oct-60 Beloeil, QC Mont-Saint Hilaire, QC 5'5 C.I.V.A. / Quebec

10 HARNOCK, Katie 2.5 12-Aug-83 Kitchener, ON Elmira, ON 4'6 U of Alabama

11 WILLIAMS, Elisha 4.5 09-Jun-78 Prince George, BC Burnaby, BC 5'10 BC Breakers

12 FERGUSON, Tracey 3.0 07-Sep-74 Richmond Hill, ON Holland Landing, ON 5'0 Variety Village

13 ABBOTT-PETER, Marni 1.0 06-Nov-65 West Kootenays, BC Vancouver, BC 5'5 BC Breakers

14 VLIEGENTHART, Jessica 1.0 08-Nov-83 Kamloops, BC Victoria, BC 5'10 BC Breakers

15 FESER, Tara 4.5 02-Feb-80 Edmonton, AB St. Albert, AB 5'11 Edmonton Inferno / U of Alabama

Head Coach / entraîneur en chef: Bill Johnson (Winnipeg, MB) Team Canada Women’s Bios

# 4

Resides: St. Eustache, QC Birthplace: Montréal, QC Birth Date: 25 February 1977 Height: 5’6” Occupation: Account Manager Club: C.I.V.A. Coach: Marc-Antoine Ducharme & Bill Johnson On the National Team Since: 2007 Began Wheelchair Basketball: 2005 Classification: 1.5

Elaine Allard got into wheelchair basketball in her late teens and has never looked back. She attri- butes her success in the sport to maintaining a balanced life, discipline, perseverance, good coaching and other specialists, consistency in her training and the support of her family and friends.

She was introduced to wheelchair basketball during rehabiliation post an accident. She started play- ing competative wheelchair basketball in 2005, and joined the national team in 2007.

International Competition

2010 Gold - BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester, UK 2009 4th Invitational Tournament in Ottawa, Canada 2008 Bronze - North American Cup in Birmingham, AL 2008 Gold - Good Luck Beijing International Invitational in Beijing, China 2007 Silver - Parapanamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2007 Bronze - 4 Nations Tournament in Sydney, Australia

National Competition 2010 Bronze - CWBL Women`s National Championships with Team Quebec # 5 JANET MCLACHLAN

Resides: West Vancouver, BC Birthplace: North Vancouver, BC Born: August 26, 1977 Height: 6’0” Occupation: Student Club: BC Breakers Coach: Bill Johnson, Marni Abbot Peter On the National Team since: 2008 Began Wheelchair Basketball: 2006 Classification: 4.5

McLachlan has always been good at basketball, since she played for University of Victoria Vikes from 1995 to 2000, winning national university championships in 1998 and 2000. She also represented Canada at the 2001 Beijing Student Games.

McLachlan was introduced to wheelchair basketball after sustaining an injury to her knee while play- ing rugby. This injury came when hoping to make Canada’s national rugby squad for the 2006 World Cup. A bad tackle left her knee in a mangled state. A rugby teammate suggested she try wheelchair sports to stay in shape while recovering her knee.

McLachlan began competing in wheelchair Basketball in 2006. She has been a member of the national team since 2008 and was able to participate in the Paralympics in Beijing. A natural athlete McLachlan was thrilled to be able continue playing the sport loves in a new and challenging way.

McLachlan has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. Despite already owning two bachelors degrees, McLachlan is attend- ing the University of Alabama to add a degree in interior design. Alabama also offers her a chance to train in wheelchair basketball during the winter. It is one of five schools in the U.S. that has a compet- ing women’s wheelchair basketball team.

If she could have dinner with anyone, it would be a tie between Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Ghandi, who both kept their struggles peaceful despite all the odds.

Interesting Facts about Janet

• Averaged 27.8 ppg at 2010 CWBL’s Women’s National Championships and awarded MVP • Won back-to-back National Championships with University of Alabama – named 2010 MVP • Led Canada to first Paralympic World Cup title in 2010 averaging 24 ppg and 16 rebounds per game.

International Competition 2010 Gold - BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester, UK 2009 4th Invitational Tournament in Ottawa, Canada 2008 5th Place - Beijing Paralympics in Beijing, China 2008 Bronze - North American Cup in Birmingham, AL

National Competition

2010 Gold - CWBL Women`s National Championships with BC Breakers 2010 MVP - CWBL Women`s National Championships with BC Breakers 2008 Gold - CWBL Finals with CIVA Named to the All-Star Team 2008 Gold - Nationals with Team BC and Named to the All-Star Team

# 6 KENDRA OHAMA

Hometown: Calgary, AB Birthplace: Brooks, AB Born: June 1, 1965 Height: 5’1” Occupation: Goldsmith Club: Calgary Rollers Coach: David Houghton, Bill Johnson On the National Team since: 1991 Began Wheelchair Basketball: 1990 Classification: 2.5

Kendra got turned on to the sport in 1990 and took to it competitively right off the bat. She has always been an athletic individual and had no doubt in her mind that she was going to crack the national line up from the start. Because of her commitment to excellence and persever- ance, she was a rookie at Stoke in 1991. Kendra became an integral part of the team in 1992 at the Barcelona paralympics and is now the third oldest veteran on the squad.

Kendra Ohama is a three-time Paralympic gold medalist. She won gold with the women’s national basketball team at the Paralympics Games in 1992, 1996 and 2000. She also has a bronze medal from the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.

She first heard about wheelchair basketball in 1989 when she was approached by a player from the Calgary Grizzlies at a store. The player invited her to watch a practice. She has been hooked on the sport since. She began playing in 1990 and had joined the national team by 1991.

She is a goldsmith by trade and comes from a family of six, where she is the youngest of three girls and three boys. Her support system at home, including her life partner Tom Walsh, is her key to suc- cess in basketball.

Before a game she enjoys listening to music and socializing with her teammates.. International Competition

2010 Gold - BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester, UK 2008 5th Place - Beijing Paralympic Games in Beijing, China 2008 Bronze - North American Cup in Birmingham, Alabama 2008 Gold - Good Luck Beijing International Invitational in Beijing, China 2007 Silver - Parapanamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2007 Bronze - 4 Nations Tournament in Sydney, Australia 2007 Gold - Osaka Cup inOsaka, Japan 2006 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2006 Bronze - Roosevelt Cup Tournament in Warm Springs, Georgia 2005 Silver - Qualification of Americas in Colorado Springs, USA 2004 Bronze - Athens Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece 2002 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan 2002 Silver - Qualification of the Americas in Brazil 2000 Gold - Sydney Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia 1999 Gold - Qualification Tournament in Mexico City, Mexico 1998 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in Sydney, Australia 1998 Gold - Americas Tournament in Winnipeg, Canada 1996 Gold - Atlanta Paralympic Games in Atlanta, USA 1994 Gold - World Championships in England 1992 Gold - Barcelona Paralympic Games in Barcelona, Spain

National Competition

2009 Bronze - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rollers 2007 Silver - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rollers 2006 Bronze - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rollers 2005 Silver - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rollers 2004 Silver - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rollers 2003 Gold - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rollers 2002 Gold - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rollers and named MVP 2001 Silver - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rocky Rollers and selected to All-Star Team 2000 Gold - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rollers 1994 Gold - Women’s CWBL Finals with Aurora Lights 1999 Gold - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rollers 1998 Bronze - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rollers 1997 Gold - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rollers 1996 Silver - Women’s CWBL Finals with Calgary Rollers 1995 Selected to All-Star Team at CWBL Finals for Women # 7

Resides: Quebec, QC Birthplace: Rivière-Du-Loup, Québec Birth Date: 8 December 1988 Height: 5’2” Occupation: Student Club: U of Alabama Coach: Brent Hardin, Marc-Antoine Ducharme and Bill Johnson On the National Team Since: 2007 Began Wheelchair Basketball: 2004 Classification: 3.5

Cindy Ouellet lives and plays by the motto “Carpe Diem” (Seize the day).

In 2007, she was on the Canadian national women’s wheelchair basketball team that won bronze at the 4 Nations Tournament in Sydney, Australia.

She was introduced to wheelchair basketball in 2005 by a physiotherapist. She also enjoys long boarding.

She won Gold with Team Quebec at the Canada Games (for Junior aged Athletes) in 2007 and will be eligible to play in the next round of Canada Games being held in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2011.

She would give her last $20 dollars to Leucan, a Montreal-based charity that supports children, and families of children diagnosed with cancer.

International Competition

2010 Gold - BT Paralympic World Cup, Manchester, UK 2009 4th Place - Invitational Tournament in Ottawa, Ontario 2009 8th Place - World Junior Championships in Paris, France 2008 5th Place - Beijing Paralympic Games in Beijing, China 2008 Bronze - North American Cup in Birmingham, AL 2008 Gold - Good Luck Beijing International Invitational in Beijing, China 2007 Silver - Parapanamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2007 Bronze- 4 Nations Tournament in Sydney, Australia

National Competition

2010 Bronze - CWBL Women`s National Championships with Team Quebec & named an All-Star 2008 Silver - National Championships with Team Quebec 2007 Gold - Canada Games in Whitehorse, Yukon with Team Quebec 2006 Gold - Québec AAA Championships 2006 Silver - Junior National Championships with Team Quebec # 8 NANCY LAFLECHE

Resides: Vancouver, BC Birthplace: Cornwall, Ontario Birth Date: 22 December 1973 Height: 6’0 Occupation: Student Club: BC Breakers Coach: Cheryl Corrigan & Bill Johnson On the National Team Since: 2009 Began Wheelchair Basketball: Classification: 4.0

Nancy Lafleche is originally from Cornwall Ontario, attended school in Ottawa before moving the West Coast. She has been living in Vancouver since 1998. Lafleche was introduced to wheelchair basketball after an accident caused her to lose her left leg above the knee. Strong encouragement from Marni Abbott got Lafleche out to play and taught her the basics.

Growing up Lafleche was an avid volleyball player. Post accident Lafleche dreamt about playing sports again at competitive level. Once she was told she had the potential to play for the national team, Lafleche became inspired and decide to commit full time to training in 2006 and in May 2009 she was named to the national team.

Lafleche was drawn to wheelchair basketball since sport involves many people with a variety of physical abilities, especially enjoys that at the club level one competes with able body players. She remains passionate about the game due to exhilaration of competition and the challenge of playing in such a fast paced game.

Lafleche is a certified peer visitor through the Amputee Coalition of Canada. She volunteers her time to travel around BC to hospitals and homes to help newly amputees, to provide support and aid in transition to their new lifestyle. Lafleche`s role models are people who overcome adversity when all odds are against them. By being a peer visitor she hopes she can inspire others to resume an active life.

Lafleche is a passionate individual who is willing to try anything at least once. She is enjoys cooking, and can create a mean crock-pot meal. She has also recently fulfilled another dream by learning to play the guitar.

Her future plans involve moving and attending school for athletic therapy in Victoria while continuing to train for the team. She is interested in travelling, and just enjoying life for all it offers.

Interesting Facts about Nancy

• If she had $20 to spend, she would order ginger beef and spicy green beans at Chongqing on Broadway, and eat it while watching a scary movie and listening to the rain with her dog Chachi • Lafleche walked the Vancouver Sun Run (10km) to celebrate her first anniversary as an amputee • If she could have dinner with anyone, it would be Barack Obama and Dolly Parton…together.

International Competition

2010 Gold - BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester, UK 2009 4th - Invitational Tournament in Ottawa, Canada 2008 Bronze - North American Cup, Birmingham, AL

National Competition

2010 Gold - CWBL Women`s National Championships with Team BC 2008 Silver - CWBL Finals BC Breakers 2007 Gold - National Championships with Team BC 2006 Bronze - National Championships with Team BC

# 9 CHANTAL BENOIT

Hometown: Mont-Saint Hilaire, QC Birthplace: Beloeil, QC Born: October 1, 1960 Height: 5’5” Occupation: Office Manager, 49 Bespoke Club: CIVA Montreal, Quebec Team Coach: Bill Johnson, Reg McClellan On the National Team since: 1984 Began Wheelchair Basketball: 1983 Classification: 3.5

Chantal Benoit was introduced to wheelchair basketball when a group of her friends invited her to ac- company them to a demonstration game at the Jeux du Quebec. A year later, a wheelchair basketball team was formed near where she lived.

She has been on the national team since 1984, a year after she started playing the sport. She at- tributes her success in wheelchair basketball to her passion for the sport and her persistent need to improve every time she gets on the court. Before a big game, she relaxes by striking up conversa- tions with people she doesn’t know.

Chantal has been labeled the Michael Jordan of women’s wheelchair basketball, and is quite possibly the greatest woman to have played the game. Chantal has been a member of the Canadian Women’s team for 16 years, including the team’s domination of the sport in the 90’s. With the national team, she has competed at five Paralympic Games. She has four Paralympic medals in her athletic port- folio: a gold from the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games, a gold from the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games, a gold from the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games and a bronze from the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.

In 2000 she received the IWBF’s highest honour, the Gold Medal Triad Award presented to an indi- vidual who has contributed in an outstanding manner to the growth of wheelchair basketball both on national and international level.

Interesting facts about Chantal: • She is married to former CWBA Executive Director Reg McClellan. • She is an office manager at RGK Wheelchairs, Inc. • Her personal motto is “Be in love with what you do.”

International Competition

2010 Gold - BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester, UK 2009 4th Place - Invitational Tournament in Ottawa, Canada 2008 5th Place - Beijing Paralympics in Beijing, China 2008 Bronze - North American Cup in Birmingham, AL 2008 Gold - Good Luck Beijing International Invitational in Beijing, China 2007 Silver - Parapanamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2007 Bronze - 4 Nations Tournament in Sydney, Australia 2007 Gold - Osaka Cup in Osaka, Japan 2006 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands and named to All-Star Team 2006 Bronze - Roosevelt Cup Tournament in Warm Springs, Georgia 2005 Silver - Qualification of Americas in Colorado Springs, USA 2004 Bronze - Athens Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece 2002 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan 2002 Silver - Qualification of the Americas in Brazil and selected to All Star Team 2000 Gold - Sydney Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia 1999 Gold - Qualification of the Americas in Mexico City, Mexico 1998 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in Sydney, Australia and named MVP 1998 Gold - Qualification of the Americas in Winnipeg, Canada 1996 Gold - Atlanta Paralympic Games in Atlanta, USA 1994 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in England 1992 Gold - Barcelona Paralympic Games in Barcelona, Spain 1990 Bronze - Gold Cup World Championships in France 1988 4th Place - Seoul Paralympic Games in Seoul, South Korea 1986 Silver - Pan-American Games in Puerto Rico 1984 Member of the Canadian Paralympic Team

National Competition

2010 Bronze - CWBL Women`s National Championships with Team Quebec 2008 Wheelchair Basketball Canada - Female Athlete of the Year 2008 CWBL Finals with CIVA Named to the All-Star Team 2008 Nationals with Quebec Team Named to the All-Star Team 2006 CWBL Finals with CIVA Named to the All-Star Team 2006 CWBL Women with Quebec Team Named to the All-Star Team 2005 CWBL Finals Named to the All-Star Team 2004 Awarded MVP at Women’s CWBL Finals with Ottawa Jazz 2003 Bronze- Women’s CWBL Finals with Ottawa Jazz 2003 Silver - NWBT with LA Sparks and awarded MVP 2001 Gold - Women’s CWBL Finals with Ottawa Jazz 2001 Gold - NWBT with LA Sparks and awarded MVP 2000 Silver -Women’s CWBL Finals with Ottawa Jazz and selected to All-Star team 1999 Silver - Women’s CWBL Finals with Ottawa Jazz and selected to All-Star team 1998 Gold - Women’s CWBL Finals with Ottawa Jazz and selected to All-Star team 1998 Selected to All-Star team at CWBL Finals Division II with Kamikaze 1997 Selected to All-Star team at CWBL Finals with Ottawa F-Team 1996 Selected to All-Star team at CWBL Finals for Women with Zodiaks 1996 Bronze - CWBL Finals with Ottawa Shooters 1995 Gold - Women’s CWBL Finals with Ottawa Jazz and awarded MVP 1995 Gold - CWBL Finals with Ottawa Shooters 1994 Silver - NWBT Final Four in San Jose with Ottawa Royals 1992 Silver - NWBT Final four in New Mexico with Ottawa Royals 1994 Silver - Women’s CWBL Finals with Ottawa Jazz and selected to All-Star team 1993 Bronze - CWBL Finals with Ottawa Shooter and selected to All-Star team 1992 Gold - Women’s CWBL Finals with Ottawa Jazz and awarded MVP

# 10 KATIE HARNOCK

Resides: Elmira, Ontario Birthplace: Kitchener, Ontario Born: August 12, 1983 Height: 4’6 Occupation: Student Club: University of Alabama Coach: Tim Frick National Team Since: 2006-2007 Began Wheelchair Basketball: 1993 Classification: 2.5

Katie Harnock began playing wheelchair basketball when she was ten, after receiving a brochure in the mail from a local club. She remembers getting clothes lined in her first game, which she jokingly describes as a warm welcome to the sport she loves.

Harnock works the point for Team Canada and has a knack for dribbling and passing. She packs a solid shot and isn’t afraid to drive to the basket. She worked her way up from local club ball to the provincial program before making the Sr National Team in 2006.

The St. David Secondary School grad from Elmira, Ontario was named the Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association Junior Female Athlete of the Year in 1998. A year later she received the nod as Sr. Fe- male Athlete of the Year.

She currently spends the academic year in Tuscaloosa, Alabama playing for the University of Ala- bama Women’s wheelchair basketball team. Interesting Facts:

• If she could eat dinner with anyone in the world she would dine with her sporting idol, Steven Ger- rard, captain of the Liverpool Football Club. She thinks he’s the most complete midfielder in the game.

International Competition

2010 Gold - BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester, UK 2009 4th Place - Invitational Tournament in Ottawa, Canada 2008 Bronze - North American Cup in Birmingham, USA 2007 Silver - Parapanamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2007 Bronze - 4 Nations Tournament in Sydney, Australia 2007 Gold - Osaka Cup in Osaka, Japan 2006 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2006 Bronze - Roosevelt Cup Tournament in Warm Springs, Georgia 2005 Silver - Qualification of Americas in Colorado Springs, USA

National Competition

2008 Gold - Women’s CWBL Championships with Edmonton Inferno 2006 Women’s CWBL National Championships named to All Star Team

# 11 ELISHA WILLIAMS

Birthplace: Prince George Hometown: Burnaby, BC Birth Date: June 9, 1978 Height: 5”10 Occupation: Occupational Therapist Club: P.G. Titans, B.C. Breakers Coach: Pat Harris, Tim Frick and Bill Johnson On the National Team since: 2007, 2010 Classification: 4.5 Began Wheelchair Basketball: 2005

Elisha Williams has always dreamed of representing Canada at the international level for Basket- ball. Growing up she excelled at stand up basketball and even got a full ride athletic scholarship San José State University out of high school. When multiple knee injuries sustained while playing stand up basketball resulted in her leaving the game and a possible end to her dreams was devastating. She focused her attentions to school and rehabilitation, returning to Canada to study at University of Alberta.

In 2005, she was recruited to play wheelchair basketball by fellow athletes. Pat Harris was instru- mental on getting her hooked on this new version of the game she has loved since her youth. She was classified in 2007 to play on her local club team and joined the Canadian omen’sW Espoir team. Her first chance to play with the Senior National was in 2007, when she was asked to join the team to compete at the Parapanamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a replacement. Williams received the call on Wednesday and flew out to join the team the next day. It was a whirlwind experi- ence that had Williams returning to BC with a silver medal and aspirations to represent Canada again.

Rejoining the senior national team in 2010 Williams feels at home in the competitive atmosphere. “I grew up playing at a elite level, and I am thrilled to be at it again. It’s still the sport I love (basketball) but at completely different challenges that keep me focus and driven to excel” Williams explained.

Outside of basketball Williams enjoys outdoor activities including camping and hiking. She does have a bit of a travel bug, and is thrilled that playing for the National team takes her around the world.

Her future plans in life are to finish her studies and teach Health Science courses at University. She is currently completing a PH D in Kinesiology on another athletic scholarship to University of Ala- bama. In the future she could also see herself coaching, and has begun to get involved with recre- ational league coaching in Prince George.

Interesting Facts about Elisha

• Very academic individual: Currently completing a PH D in Kinesiology focused in Exercise Sci- ence at University of Albama to go with her three other degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Physical Edu- cation from San José State University, Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Univer- sity of Alberta and a Masters in Disability Management of UNBC at Prince George.

International Competition

2010 Gold - BT Paralympic Cup in Manchester, UK 2008 Gold - Good Luck Beijing Invitational Tournament in Beijing, China 2007 Silver - Parapanamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Domestic Competition

2010 Gold - Women’s CWBL National Championships with BC Breakers 2010 Gold - CWBL Open Finals with Douglas College Lions

# 12 TRACEY FERGUSON

Birthplace: Richmond Hill, ON Hometown: Holland Landing, ON Born: September 7, 1974 Height: 5’ Occupation: Senior Program Officer, Canadian Heritage Club: Variety Village Coach: Steve Bialowas, Bill Johnson On the National Team since: 1991 Began Wheelchair Basketball: 1988 Classification: 3.0 Tracey has been a member of five Paralympic Teams and is no new comer to high performance sport on the world stage. As a key member of the gold medal winning wheelchair basketball teams in 1992, 1996, 2000 and of the bronze medal winning in 2004, she definitely knows what it takes to reach the podium.

Always a competitor, Tracey grew up playing street hockey and competing in everything she did, including Easter egg hunts. Her competitive spirit and love of winning fuelled her dream of one day representing Canada on the Olympic Podium.

That dream wasn’t derailed by a spinal surgery that left her paralyzed at the age of nine.

Four years later, Tracey returned to competitive sports when she discovered wheelchair sports through a local fitness centre. Her dream of standing on the podium, representing Canada at the in- ternational level was renewed.

Of all the sports she discovered, it has been wheelchair basketball that has allowed her not only to reach the podium at the international level, but to reach the top level of the podium at both World Championships and Paralympic Games and also be named to two World All-Star Teams (1998 and 2002).

Always up for a new challenge, Tracey qualified for the Paralympic Team for Beijing 2008 in wheel- chair athletics. Her debut performances demonstrate that Tracey is force to be reckoned with on the track. She placed 2nd (200m), 3rd (400m) at the 2006 Paralympic National Championships; qualified for the finals (800m) at the 2006 Commonwealth Games; and again at the 2006 International Para- lympic Committee (IPC) Athletic World Championship (200m).

She truly believes that representing Canada as an athlete is an honour.

Interesting Facts

• A four-time recipient of the Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association’s Female Athlete of the Year award. • Recipient of YMCA’s Young Woman of Distinction Award • Recipient of the Humanitarian Award.

International Competition

2010 Gold - BT Paralympic Cup in Manchester, UK 2009 4th Place - Invitational Tournament in Ottawa, Canada 2008 Bronze - North American Cup in Birmingham, USA 2008 Gold - Good Luck Beijing Invitational Tournament in Beijing, China 2005 Silver - Qualification of Americas in Colorado Springs, USA 2004 Bronze - Athens Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece 2002 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan 2002 Silver - Qualifications of the Americas in Brazil 2000 Gold - Sydney Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia 1998 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in Sydney, Australia and Named to All Star Team 1998 Gold - Qualifications of the Americas in Winnipeg, MB and Named to All Star Team 1996 Gold - Atlanta Paralympic Games in Atlanta, USA 1994 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in England 1992 Gold - Barcelona Paralympic Games in Barcelona, Spain 1991 Bronze - Stoke Mandeville Games in England

Domestic Competition

2010 Silver - CWBL Open Finals with Variety Village 2004 Women’s CWBL Championships named to All Star Team with Variety Village “Ice” 2003 Women’s CWBL Championships named to All Star Team with Variety Village “Ice” 2002 Women’s CWBL Championships named to All Star Team with Variety Village “Ice” 2001 Women’s CWBL Championships named to All Star Team with Variety Village “Ice” 2001 4th Place - CWBL Championships with Rolling Rebels and selected to All Star Team 2000 Women’s CWBLChampionships with and Awarded MVP 1998 Women’s CWBL Championships named to All Star Team 1993 Women’s CWBL Championships named to All Star Team 1991 Bronze - Women’s CWBL Championships and named to All Star Team 1990 4th Place - Women’s CWBL Championships and named to All Star Team

# 13 MARNIE ABBOTT-PETER

Birthplace: Nelson, BC Hometown: Vancouver, BC Birth Date: November 10 1965 Height: 5’5 Language\s: English/Spanish Occupation: Sports Consultant Club: B.C. Breakers, Douglas College Coach: Tim Frick/Joanne Burleigh and Bill Johnson On the National Team since: 1992 Began Wheelchair Basketball: 1988 Classification: 1.0

Abbott Peter is a former member of the Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball Team that won three consecutive Paralympic Gold medals and World Championships. She is also a BC Sports Hall of Fame Inductee and was named the BC Wheelchair Sports Association’s Female Athlete of the Century.

Marni-Abbott earned a spot on the national swim team for the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Associa- tion (CWSA) from 1985 to 1988. But it was wheelchair basketball that was to become Abbott-Peter’s real passion. She began playing the sport in 1988, made the national team in 1992, and won her first gold medal at the Barcelona Paralympic Games that same year. Abbott-Peter was a stalwart on the national team for over 10 years, leading Canada on an undefeated international streak of 43 games.

Her career highlights include being Canada’s flag bearer at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta, where she led the team to another gold medal. As a veteran at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, the national team relied on her experience, confidence and strength. Canada was unstoppable, taking home an- other gold medal.

Abbott is an NCCP Level 3 certified coach and was head coach for the 2003 and 2007 BC Canada games teams. She served as an assistant coach of Canada’s Junior National Wheelchair Basketball Team at the 2005 World Championships.

Wheelchair Basketball Canada named her Coach of the Year in 2009. She was inducted into the Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

Interesting Facts

• Served as Mayor of the Paralympic Village for Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games and took part in the opening ceremonies as one of the final torch bearers • She also provided colour commentating for opening ceremonies alongside CBC’s host Brian Wil- liams • In 1996 she took the plunge and bungee jumped.

International Competition

2010 Silver - BT Paralympic Cup in Manchester, UK 2004 Bronze - Athens Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece 2002 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan 2002 Silver - Qualification of the Americas in Brazil 2000 Gold - Sydney Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia 1999 Gold - Qualifications of the Americas in Mexico City, Mexico 1998 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in Sydney, Australia 1998 Gold - Qualifications of the Americas in Winnipeg, Canada 1996 Gold - Atlanta Paralympic Games in Atlanta, USA 1994 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in England 1992 Gold - Barcelona Paralympic Games in Barcelona, Spain

Domestic Competition

2010 Gold - Women’s CWBL National Championships with BC Breakers 2004 Bronze - Women’s CWBL National Championships with BC Breakers 2003 Women’s CWBL National Championships with BC Breakers and named to All Star Team 2002 Women’s CWBL National Championships with BC Breakers and named to All Star Team 1999 Bronze - Women’s CWBL National Championships with BC Breakers 1998 Gold - NWWBA National Championships with Western Grizzlies 1998 Silver - Women’s CWBL National Championships with BC Breakers 1997 Silver - Women’s CWBL National Championships with BC Breakers 1996 Bronze - Women’s CWBL National Championships with BC Breakers & named to All Star Team 1995 Bronze - Women’s CWBL National Championships with BC Breakers & named to All Star Team 1995 Silver - CWBL Finals with Kitsilano Krunch 1994 Silver - Women’s CWBL National Championships with BC Breakers

# 14 JESSICA DES MAZES

Hometown: Victoria, BC Birthplace: Kamloops, BC Born: August 11, 1983 Height: 5’10 Occupation: Student Club: BC Breakers Coaches: Cheryl Corrigan and Bill Johnson On the National Team: 2009 Began Wheelchair Basketball: 2006 Classification: 1.0

Athletes who are naturally gifted, smart, and who love what they do, often find themselves on the fast track for success. This is certainly the case for Jessica whose progression in wheelchair basketball has been both impactful, and rapid.

She originally got started in the sport in 2006 thanks in large part to BC Coach and former National Team player Marni Abbott-Peter who recognized her potential and was instrumental in her recruit- ment. Jessica joined a local team in Vancouver, BC and shortly after was invited to attend a Junior National Team Camp in Ontario.

She was the only girl named to Team BC for the 2007 Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse. At the same time she started playing for the BC Breakers women’s team and within the year was represent- ing Canada at the Para Pan-American Games in Rio de Janeiro as a development card athlete. In 2009 she was selected to the Senior National Women’s Team just three into her young career.

“I enjoy the camaraderie with the team, the great people that I’ve met, and the pure and simple love of sport,” said Desmaze.

Competitive spirit and dedication to getting better drives Desmaze and fuels her success on the court.

“I have people that I look at that I mentally make a choice to compete with. For example, if I see a player of the same class as me that is really good at something, I’ll decide that I’m going to ‘beat’ her at that,” explains Desmazes.

“Then I work at it and work at, remembering how good that player is. “

Outside of sports, the current law school student and Simon Fraser University alumni, enjoys hanging out with friends, spending time with her husband, being in the outdoors, reading, and playing games.

Interesting Facts about Jessica:

• She adores anything and everything to do with horses • She used to be a forest firefighter and a ranch hand • She love reading historical fiction - anything that transports me to another time Other Accomplishments:

• Terry Fox Gold Medal for Courage in Adversity • Judith Zelman Memorial Award for Canadian Wheelchair Sports Rookie of the Year - 2007 • BC Wheelchair Sports - Spirit of Sport Award 2007 • Four time defending champion - Vancouver Sun Run 10k • Multiple medalist - Canadian Track and Field Championships - wheelchair racin

International Competition

2010 Gold - BT Paralympic World Cup, Manchester, UK 2009 4th Place - Invitational Tournament in Ottawa, Ontario 2009 Gold - Atland Cup in Germany 2008 Gold - Good Luck Beijing International Invitational in Beijing, China 2007 Silver - Parapanamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Domestic Competition

2010 Gold - CWBL Women’s National Championships with BC Breakers 2009 Silver - CWBL Women’s National Championships with BC Breakers 2008 Gold - Women’s National Championships with Team BC 2007 Bronze - CWBL Women’s National Championships wiht BC Breakers.

# 15 TARA FESER

Hometown: St. Albert, AB Birthplace: Edmonton, AB Born: Feb 2, 1980 Height: 5’ 11 Occupation: Recreation Program Manager Club: Edmonton Inferno / Trier Dolphins Coach: Cheryl Corrigan, Tim Frick and Bill Johnson On the National Team since: 2008 Began Wheelchair Basketball: 1998 Classification: 4.5

Tara Feser was introduced to wheelchair basketball by her high school coach Christina Jones (a member of Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s Board of Directors). She made the transition away from the stand-up game after her knees began to give her trouble and prevented her from competing at the elite level she wanted. Wheelchair basketball allowed Feser to enjoy game she loved while adding a new array of technically challenging aspects. Feser played recreationally for 10 years before joining the national team. After being classified in 2007, she decided to take wheelchair basketball more se- riously and became dedicated to training hard. The effort paid-off since she made the National team the following year in 2008, enabling her to compete in the Beijing Olympics.

Feser is one of the most approachable, well-liked sportsmanlike and committed athletes that this country has to offer. She encourages, instructs and celebrates with athletes of all abilities. Feser has a passion for the sport that reaches far beyond her desire for medals or All-stars. She is the first person to congratulate a team or player who has beaten her, to shake the hand of a referee that has fouled her out, and to humbly pass on the credit for a success.

Feser loves the sport of wheelchair basketball since she feels it is a much more of a team sport than stand-up basketball and being with her teammates is a place where she feels most comfortable. Although Feser is a strong and consistent scorer, her focus is often more on the team game: on pass- ing, defence, rebounding, picking and leadership. When her team most needs her, however, Feser is known to step up to the scoring challenge. She is able to score points in versatile fashion: from in the paint, behind the stack, at the foul line, and even behind the three-point line.

Interesting Facts about Tara:

• Avid dancer in her youth; Ukrainian danced for 10 years and Highland danced for 8 years • Played provincial Handball for years, and was asked to try out for the Canadian National Handball team, but choose basketball instead. • One of the only member of her immediate family to complete a Masters degree in Human Perfor- mance from University of Alabama, that also goes with her Bachelors of Physical Education from University of Alberta.

International Competition

2010 Gold - BT Paralympic World Cup, Manchester, UK 2009 4th Place - Invitational Tournament in Ottawa, Ontario 2008 5th Place - Beijing Paralympic Games in Beijing, China 2008 Gold - Good Luck Beijing International Invitational in Beijing, China

National Competition

2010 Silver - Women’s CWBL National Championships with Edmonton Inferno & Named an All Star 2008 Gold - Women’s CWBL National Championships with Edmonton Inferno 2008 Bronze - National Championships with Team Alberta 2007 Gold - Women’s CWBL National Championships with Edmonton Inferno 2006 Gold - Women’s CWBL National Championships with Edmonton Inferno 2005 Gold - Women’s CWBL National Championships with Edmonton Inferno 2004 Silver - Women’s CWBL National Championships with Edmonton Inferno 2003 Silver - Women’s CWBL National Championships with Edmonton Inferno 2002 Bronze - Women’s CWBL National Championships with Edmonton Inferno 2001 Bronze - Women’s CWBL National Championships with Edmonton Inferno

Headcoach BILL JOHNSON

Hometown: Winnipeg, MB Residence: Winnipeg, MB Birth Date: November 16, 1973 Height: 6’ 2” Language: English Coaching since: 1997 On the National Team since: 2003

Johnson inherited the role of chief bench boss after serving as an assistant coach with the team for three seasons. Prior to that, he served as an assistant coach with the Men’s National Team as well as the Junior National Team in 2001.

At the domestic level Johnson has earned numerous accolades as Head Coach of the Manitoba Men’s (2001-Present) and Women’s Teams (1997-1999) from the Manitoba Wheelchair Sports As- sociation (MWSA) including three Merit Awards, two Coaching Recognition Awards for “Exceptional Coaching Contribution”, and two “Volunteer of the Year” awards.

In 2006-2007, the CWBA named Johnson “Coach of the Year,” acknowledging his strong technical background and proven knack for planning and preparing for success. He was also a finalist for the Stephan Dubuc Memorial Award in 2004 as “the developmental coach of the year.”

Now the Winnipeg, Manitoba native is charged with the task of getting Canada’s Women’s Wheel- chair Basketball Team back to the top of the world rankings following nearly unparalleled international success from 1990 to 2008 in which they won nine straight podium finishes at major international competitions including gold medals at the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Paralympic Games and at the 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006 World Championships.

Johnson has a Kinesiology degree from the University of Winnipeg and is a NCCP Level 3 Certified Coach in both wheelchair and stand-up basketball. His brother Joey Johnson is a star player with the Men’s National Team, while his sister Mandy also coaches wheelchair basketball in Manitoba.

Johnson is an innovative coach that combines excellent inter-personal skills with a strong technical background making him as approachable as he is knowledgeable.s he is knowledgeable.

International Competition

2010 Gold - BT Paralympic Cup in Manchester, UK (Head Coach) 2009 4th Place - Invitational Tournament in Ottawa, Canada (Head Coach) 2009 Gold - Artland Open in Germany (Head Coach) 2008 5th Place - Beijing Paralympics in Beijing, China (Assistant Coach) 2008 Bronze - North American Cup in Birmingham, USA (Assistant Coach) 2008 Gold - Good Luck Beijing International Invitational in Beijing, China (Assistant Coach) 2007 Gold - Osaka Cup in Osaka, Japan (Assistant Coach) 2007 Silver - Parapanamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Assistant Coach) 2007 Bronze - 4 Nations Tournament in Sydney, Australia (Assistant Coach) 2006 Bronze - Roosevelt Cup Tournament in Warm Springs, USA (Assistant Coach) 2004 Gold - Gold Cup World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan (Assistant Coach) 2004 Bronze - Athens Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece (Manager) 2004 Silver - Roosevelt Cup Tournament in Warm Springs, USA (Manager) 2001 Gold - World Junior Championships with Junior National Men’s Team (Assistant Coach)

National Competition

2007 Silver - National Championships with Team Manitoba (Head Coach) 2006 Bronze - National Championships with Team Manitoba (Head Coach) 2005 Bronze - National Championships with Team Manitoba (Head Coach) 2005 Coached Manitoba at Canada Games (Head Coach) 2004 Silver - National Championships with Team Manitoba (Head Coach and Player) 2003 Gold - CWBL Open Finals with Winnipeg Thunder (Head Coach and Player) 2002 Bronze - Nationals Championships with Team Manitoba (Head Coach and Player) 2001 Coached Manitoba Canada Games Team (Head Coach) 2001 Bronze - Nationals Championships with Team Manitoba (Head Coach and Player) TIPS FOR REPORTING ON ATHLETES WITH A DISABILITY

AIM TO:

• Always identify the athlete and sport first, then the disability. Often it is not necessary or relevant to the report to mention the disability. • Emphasize the ability rather than the limitation. Try to avoid using emotional words that dramatize their lifestyle. • Portray the athletes as they are in real life. Along with being an athlete, they may also be a parent, a civil engineer, a doctor, etc. • Act naturally at all times. The athlete will tell you if they require assistance. If in doubt, ask.

THINGS TO AVOID:

• Avoid focusing the whole story on the disability by constantly referring to it. Remember the disabil- ity is only one aspect of the athlete’s life so try to keep it in proper perspective without magnifying its importance. • Avoid portraying an athlete who succeeds as extraordinary or superhuman. • Avoid using terms like courage or courageous that suggest the athletes are performing a brave feat or facing a fear. These words are often misused to describe an athlete that is inspirational, determined, motivated. • Avoid using “disabled” as a noun or adjective (most people with a disability do not see themselves as disabled, as they are able to accomplish their goals) • Avoid using terms such as: suffering from, is a victim of, or afflicted with (most people with a dis- ability do not see themselves as afflicted and many do not actually suffer at all, this is an over- used term and often inappropriate

PREFERRED WORDS & PHRASING:

• Athlete with a disability vs. Disabled/handicapped or crippled

• Able-bodied athlete vs. Normal athlete

• Determined/motivated/dedicated vs. Courage/Couragous

• Person has (name of the disability) vs. Suffering from, is a victim of, or afflicted with

• Uses a wheelchair vs. Confined to a wheelchair (a wheelchair provides mobility and is not confining)

• Amputee vs. Stumps (connotes the person’s limbs were cut like a tree)

• Condition vs. Disease (many disabilities, such as cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries are not caused by illness or disease.)

• A person with paraplegia, a person with quadriplegia vs. A paraplegic, a quadrplegic