For the first time the Great Britain wheelchair rugby team are guaranteed a medal after an amazing 55-49 semi-final win over hosts Japan. We are so excited as the team didn’t get a medal on their five previous Games appearances. They are the first European team to reach the Paralympic finals for wheelchair rugby. They will face either Rio 2016 winners, Australia, or runners up USA in the final on Sunday 29th August at 10am BST!
Jim Roberts was the top scorer with 20 tries and Aaron Phipps scored 17. but the GB defence was also key against the world champions in Tokyo.
Jim Roberts, who is also a Get Kids Going! ambassador and sponsored athlete said “We didn’t come here for second, We came here to do as well as we can and now that means gold. We’ll be pushing as hard as we can in that final”.
Get Kids Going! are very proud long term supporters of the GB wheelchair rugby team and the last two years have been particularly hard for all athletes, so your fundraising really means so much. As the team’s CEO David Pond said without that support the team “just could not have made it to Tokyo”.
The team’s joy after the results was clear to see with them thanking Head Coach Paul Shaw, with a rousing cheer.
Jamie Stead was quick to go onto social media uploading the video below.
Captain Gavin Walker also added: “I feel like this team has steadily progressed over the years and I’ve never seen the team so calm and composed. It feels like it’s all coming together at the right time.
“I’m so proud of the guys that have been out there and played the whole game.
“It’s fantastic to be in this position. One more game to go and everything to play for – we’re confident and we’ve played all these teams before and had success so let’s see what tomorrow brings.”
CEO David Pond said “This is a special group of athletes in a special sport where we all look after one another. Could not be more pleased for players coaches staff & those who stuck by us but we will reset as a final still to play,”
You can watch the final on Channel 4/ More4 on Sunday 29th August at 10am. You can also see daily updates from David Pond on the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby website gbwr.org.uk. Whatever happens we are so proud of the team and can’t wait to see them bring home a medal!