(Richmond, BC) – In just 10 days, eight of the top wheelchair rugby teams in the world will converge on the Richmond Olympic Oval for the 2014 Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament. Canada Cup, which runs from June 19-21, is the most elite wheelchair rugby tournament outside of the Paralympics or World Championships.
This year, the tournament’s result will determine seeding for the 2014 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships.
“We’ve always enjoyed world-class wheelchair rugby at Canada Cup,” said Tournament Chair Gail Hamamoto. “This year, however, the stakes are definitely higher and we know that teams will bring their A games. We hope everyone will come out and cheer on Team Canada as they attempt to improve their third-place ranking.”
Wheelchair rugby is a full-contact sport that was originally called Murderball when it was invented in 1977 in Winnipeg. The sport’s co-inventor, Duncan Campbell, is on the organizing committee for Canada Cup.
“Wheelchair rugby is a hybrid sport that combines rules of lacrosse, hockey and rugby,” he said. “It’s the perfect Canadian sport, and I think that’s why it’s been so popular with fans.”
Tickets range between $5 for an evening game to $20 for a tournament pass and can be purchased online or at the door. For more information, visit www.canadacupwcrugby.com
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Members of the media are welcome to attend a special media reception on Thursday, June 19th from 6 – 7 pm. The reception features snacks, refreshments and a ticket to watch Canada take on the New Zealand Wheelblacks. To RSVP, email arley@bcwheelchairsports.com.
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact:
Arley McNeney
Communications Manager
BC Wheelchair Sports Association
Cell: 778-788-9091
Email: Arley@bcwheelchairsports.com