Richmond's Ian Chan named MVP of tournament
April 1, 2001 - San Diego got as close as possible to repeating as champions at the second annual Invitational Quad Rugby Tournament but Phoenix spoiled their party with a close 36-34 championship win. The tournament held March 30, 2001 to April 1, 2001 at Bonser Recreation Complex in Burnaby was an unqualified success.
BC Wheelchair Rugby, in conjunction with the BC Wheelchair Sports Association ran the well-organized tournament.
"It's disappointing that we didn't get into the final," said Richmond's Ian Chan who was named tournament MVP. "But we played hard in that semi-final and only lost by a couple of points. Once a team is up by two with a couple of minutes left they start to play keep away and it's hard to come back. But it was great to be able to play in a home-town tournament in front of my family and friends."
Chan was also named to the All-Star team along with teammate Garett Hickling of Surrey. Both Chan and Hickling participated in a National training camp preceding the tournament.
"There's a new future affront in wheelchair rugby," continued Chan referring to the new coaching staff put in place after the Paralympics in Sydney, Australia. "There's definitely a good enthusiastic feeling."
The 2001 Vancouver Invitational Quad Rugby Tournament included teams from San Diego, Portland, Phoenix, Denver, Manitoba, the Great Lakes, Saskatchewan and B.C.
Other players named to the Tournament All-Star team were Danny Belanger and Patrice Simard of Canada East, Mike Bacon from Saskatchewan, Dave Willsie of the Great Lakes and San Diego's Albert Moscona.
Third place went to BC as the home province took the bronze medal game with a 40-27 win over Canada East.
BC Wheelchair Sports Association and the BC Wheelchair Rugby Association plan on making this tournament an annual event.
For more information contact James Sanders at 604.432.7564 or email at sandersj@direct.ca.