Wheelchair Rugby
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Wheelchair Rugby is the team sport for tetraplegics, or anybody with an upper limb impairment. The game originated in Canada when a group of tetraplegics decided to create a team sport in which they could compete. In 1984 a demonstration match during the Paralympic Games launched wheelchair rugby as an International Sport.
Wheelchair Rugby is played on a standard basketball court using a volleyball, and with goals and a key area marked out at both ends. On the court side, situated at the half way line, is the Table at which the scorers and time keeping officials sit. On the opposite side is the Sin Bin and Penalty Box official.
The object of the game is to score by carrying the ball over your opponents' goal line. Most chair to chair contact is allowed, but not body contact. The opposition attempt to gain possession of the ball, block attacks on goal and force errors. The game consists of four 8 minute quarters; the clock stops whenever the ball is deemed out of play.
Wheelchair Rugby is now played in 20 countries Worldwide and there are currently 8 teams playing in the GB league. Britain is currently ranked 4th in the World after winning the European Championships in 2003.