Wheelchair Basketball

By Sue Bourinot

Mark your calendars now for the first global wheelchair basketball tournament for youth, set for April 17-21, 1991, in Toronto. Hosted by Variety Village, the inaugural Junior World Invitational Wheelchair Basketball Tournament will feature teams from England, the Soviet Union, and across the United States and Canada. Competition will range from a very competitive "A" Division to the recreational play in the "C" division.

"This event is more than just a basketball tournament," says tournament organizer Joe Millage. "The week will also include a Leadership Exchange featuring speakers such as Jack Donohue and David Kiley. Coach Donohue was instrumental in developing Canada’s basketball program, and Dave is recognized as the world’s premier wheelchair basketball player,"

Rick Hansen is the honorary patron of the event and will be present for the opening ceremonies and for Variety Village’s 10th anniversary birthday party preceding the tournament.

Corporate sponsors play an important role. McDonald’s is responsible for the inclusion of the team from Moscow. George Cohon’s personal interest in developing opportunities for children with disabilities through the Soviet Children’s Fund, will bring the first team from that nation ever to compete in an international disabled sport competition. Sunrise Medical & Quickie Designs are also active sponsors.

Though the tournament is hosted by Variety Village and Variety Club of Ontario, Tent 28, other service organizations have dug deep to foster the athletic development of youth with disabilities. The Loyal Order of Moose is a good example. "They are instrumental in Ontario having a strong Junior Wheelchair Basketball Program. They have supported us for the past five years by funding camps, travel, and skill development sessions," says Steve Biallowas, Ontario Coach and Tournament Official. "Now they are helping us host the world."

The event is unique, as it has world class juniors in the "A" and "B" divisions and developing players in the "C" division. "Anyone can play. If there is a boy or girl anywhere in Canada, or in the world for that matter, who can get to Toronto, we will include them on ‘ghost teams’," says Millage. "Participation is what it’s all about, and if they can’t play basketball, the Leadership Exchange will be well worth the trip." Archie Allison who has been organizing the leadership programs at Variety Village for the past four years, is looking forward to the interaction of youth from different countries. "For most of the participants, it will be the first time they’ll be meeting athletes from other continents. The social activities will give them lots of opportunities to meet and learn from each other," says Allison.

The tournament will definitely be first class. Don’t miss out on the excitement! For further details, call Variety Village at (416) 699-7167, or J.G Millage, Program Director, 3701 Danforth Ave., Scarborough, ON M1N 2G2 (416) 699-7167.