They are the reigning gold medal champions and they are getting prepared to defend their title. On Friday, July 13th, the Team USA Wheelchair Rugby team arrives at the Virginia G. Piper Sports & Fitness Center for three days of practice. Media and the public are invited to Friday’s evening practice for a live scrimmage and a chance to meet the team.
The team is hot off their recent victory at the Canada Cup. With solid wins over top teams such as Australia and northern rival, Canada, the boys are the favorites going into the London Paralympics. Other teams are studying film of Team USA’s one lost at the Canada Cup to Japan as a source for strategy to unseat the well-seasoned USA squad.
Players from western states dominate this year’s 15-man roster (including alternates), with seven from Arizona, two from Colorado, two from Oregon and one each from California and Utah. Those hailing from Arizona are from either Phoenix or Tucson, including three stars of the Phoenix Fusion: Nick Springer, Scott Hogsett and Joe Delagrave. Chuck Aoki, who regularly plays with the Tucson Pterodactyls, did not take part in last month’s Canada Cup, but will be in Phoenix for the training session.
Fans of the sport can attend select open events between Friday, July 13th and Sunday, July 15th to witness firsthand what is involved in the quest for a Paralympic gold medal. A full schedule of times for various public events can be found below.
For more information about this event, please call (602) 386-4566.
Friday
9am -12pm Gym
2pm – 5pm Gym
7pm – 9pm Gym (Team scrimmage)
Saturday
9am – 12pm Gym
2pm – 5pm Gym
7pm – 9pm Gym
Sunday
9am – 12pm Gym