Charity organisation Path to Success will support two promising Wheelchair Basketball players to Tokyo 2020 Paralympic. Christy Gregan, 23, and Sophie Paterson, 19, are each being awarded £22,500 over the next three years to help with training, travel, nutrition coaching, specialised Wheelchairs and equipment as they look to force their way into the Team GB Paralympic squad.
The announcement was made at the Path to Success Charity Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at the Copper Box Arena, which was staged to raise funds for the London Titans Wheelchair Basketball Club. Christy, who has been playing for nine years, is one of the sport’s brightest prospects and has represented GB at Under 23 level, while university student Sophie began at 15 and is now playing in the national league.
Anita Choudrie, founder of Path to Success, said: “We are delighted to be helping Christy and Sophie as they begin their journeys to Tokyo. The sponsorship will start on July 1st 2017 and continue for three years until Team GB selection for the 2020 Olympics. Path to Success will be here to guide them on every step of their journey.”
Wheelchair Basketball is not a professional sport in the UK, meaning that British players are often juggling work, study and sport at the same time. Many top players are forced to move abroad to play in the professional leagues of Spain, Italy and Germany.
The London Titans have produced more than 50 Team GB players in their history, including seven-time Paralympian Simon Munn, TV presenter Ade Adepitan and Rio bronze medallist Gaz Choudhry, but receive no central sports funding. This means the club is reliant on charitable contributions and Path to Success has raised more than £41,000 for the club over the last year.
Ian Laker, head coach and co-founder at London Titans, said: “Path to Success has changed attitudes at the club, made us more professional and put building blocks in place to recruit more players. We are very grateful for their continuing support’.
The charity event took place on May 16th and was the second edition of the tournament following a successful inception in April 2016, giving able-bodied players the chance to experience a fast-moving sport which is enjoyed by more than 4,000 players in the UK and is our most successful Paralympic sport. Able-bodied players took to the court alongside London Titans stars and a number of Invictus players. Path to Success intends to hold the tournament annually to raise funds to support London Titans and to encourage more people to get involved in Wheelchair Basketball.
Charlie Bethel, chief executive of British Wheelchair Basketball, said: ‘London Titans is the lifeblood of our sport and we have a lot to thank them for. The generous support being provided by Path to Success will allow the club to continue to grow and produce more great players for Team GB’.
Supporting companies and institutions:
C&C Alpha Group, Shanti Hospitality, Green Templeton College in Oxford, Margot restaurant in London, PHA Media, Boutique PR & Marketing, Asian Voice, Eastern Eye, Sequiona London, Arora Group, The Mayfair London, Karma Yoga Foundation, Amira Foods, Maxi Muscles, Pulsin, Anytime Fitness, GBL Mobility Specialists, GLL & Copper Box & Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Chooseyourevent.co.uk, All in London.co.uk, East London Radio, BH Live Catering, Wanis International Foods, Trowers & Hamlins LLP, Disability Sports News.
(Left to right: Jaspal Dhani (London Titans), Charlie Bethel (BWB) Ian Laker (London Titans) Anita Choudhrie (Path to Success) Christy Gregan, London Titans)
