This past May, the London Annihilators Wheelchair Rugby program fueled Ontario’s sweep of both divisions at the Canadian National Wheelchair Rugby Tournament. In addition to this feat, two integral members of the Annihilators program were recognized in outstanding fashion.
Players David Willsie and Garett Hickling will become the first ever rugby players to have their jerseys retired by the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association.
The Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association, along with Scott Russell and the Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association, hosted a banquet upon completion of the National tournament. Both Willsie and Hickling were recognized based on two exemplary sport resumes.
David Willsie spent 19 years competing as part of Canada’s national wheelchair rugby team. Along the way, he won three Paralympic medals, four World Championship medals, numerous National tournament titles, and countless tournament MVP awards. Willsie has served as one of the most recognizable faces in the game, appearing on the Academy Award-nominated documentary ‘Murderball,’ and featured on programs such as ‘The Rick Mercer Report.’ Willsie owns and runs a lumber business with two brothers in his hometown. He has served as a player-coach and mentor for many young rugby athletes, and is in his first season as assistant coach with Canada’s national program.
Garrett Hickling has been one of the best wheelchair rugby players in the world since the sport’s inception. Known to all as ‘G’, Garrett won MVP honours at the first three World Championships ever celebrated by the sport. He has competed in four Paralympic Games (winning two silver medals and a bronze) and five World Championship tournaments (leading Canada to a gold, a silver, and two bronze medals). Like Willsie, Hickling has won multiple national titles with his home province of British Columbia and countless MVP honours at various competitions. Hickling was also featured in the ‘Murderball’ documentary, and he served as the flag bearer for Canada’s Paralympic team at the 2012 opening ceremonies in London, England. Hickling recently moved to Ontario where he serves as the national program’s development coach, mentoring and pushing the next generation of wheelchair rugby athletes to be their best.
Submitted by London Annihilators Wheelchair Rugby
