George Bray Sports Association
What a great hockey season it was! The 2015-2016 campaign saw more players than ever taking part in the George Bray hockey league, with six teams in each of our three divisions playing from October to the end of March. We also had two levels of hockey school on Wednesdays.
In April, we held our awards banquet at the Marconi Club. This event is for all players and coaches to celebrate their successes on the ice and in the dressing room. Our player awards include Most Improved player and a Sportsmanship award. And, instead of an award for most goals, at George Bray we celebrate the player with the Most Assists.
On June 5, the George Bray Sports Association held its second annual FUN golf tournament. Despite a forecast of thunderstorms, somehow we were blessed with more sun than rain and experienced only a couple of minor delays. Over 65 golfers participated in our Texas Scramble tournament, and competed in our putting, straightest drive and closest to the pin challenges. The winning team shot an impressive 59. A huge Thank You to all of our participants and sponsors!
We look forward to seeing everyone in the fall. Our registration dates for the 2016-2017 season are September 17, 21, and 24. The first week of hockey is October 1 & 2.
For more information about the George Bray Sports Association, check out our website: www.georgebraysports.ca and/or like us on Facebook!
London Wheelchair Basketball Association
On January 6, 1977, a very inexperienced group of athletes played Brantford in their first Wheelchair Basketball game. That game, a 31-16 win, was the first and only win the Forest City Flyers garnered that season.
London Wheelchair Basketball Association founding members Keith Cartwright, John Porter and Gilbert Blanchette all played in that game. Keith and John passed away in years past, and the last founding member, Gilbert Blanchette, passed away this spring. Sadly, it marked the end of an era, as we lost one of the originals. Gilbert was still active in our association and was even out to watch practice two weeks before he passed.
Sometimes known as ‘Mr. Volunteer,’ Gil had been a member of the LWBA since its inception. He also loved woodworking, cooking, wheelchair curling, meditation and Tai Chi. He was active in so many committees (Long Term Care Planning Committee, French Language Services Committee, Ethics and Spirituality Sub-committee for Thames Valley District Health Council), and he was a staple at the Home County Folk Festival for over 20 years.
The legacy that Keith, John and Gilbert have left is widespread, and it is still going strong. Our association is well-respected in the wheelchair basketball world, and many of our athletes and coaches have represented London locally, provincially and internationally. We have had several Paralympians, and we have a vibrant Jr. Association as well.
Our latest Paralympian, who will compete for Canada in Rio, is Darda Sales. Darda and her husband, Brad, competed for many years in swimming and medalled at several Paralympic Games. Darda retired from swimming and switched her focus to basketball — at first just for recreation. But she dedicated herself to her training, and with the support of her teammates and Brad she made the Women’s National Team in 2014 and won the World Championship that same year. She earned a silver medal at the Para Pan Am games in Toronto last year.
Darda now has her sights set on Rio in September. She has worked extremely hard and spent last year at the University of Alabama, training every day and competing at the NCAA level. Darda is now one of the fastest players in the world and plays tenacious defense. Oh, and did I mention that she and Brad are also the parents of three children?! They’re an amazing family on an amazing journey to represent Canada again at the highest level possible.
So, to Keith, John and Gilbert, everything we have we owe to the vision that you had 40 years ago, so that we can play a sport that we love and inspire the next generations of Dardas.
