Victorian star Isabel Martin has been name in the 12-strong Australian Gliders team will travel to Japan next week to compete in the Osaka Cup between 7-13 February at Maruzen Intec Arena, Osaka.
It doesn't stop with Isabel for the Vics. With Craig Campbell (Head Coach), Tina McKenzie (Assistant Coach) and Katherine Taylor (Physiotherapist) all representing Victoria.
Established to promote and elevate para sports, the Osaka Cup provides another opportunity for the world’s strongest women’s wheelchair basketballers to compete on the international stage.
Headlining the tournament will be the reigning champions, the Netherlands, while Canada and the host nation, Japan, complete the four-nation line-up.
Donning the green and gold for the Aussies, the Gliders’ team consists of a host of players from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic team including Victoria’s Isabel Martin.
Head Coach of the Gliders and Victorian, Craig Campbell, said the Osaka Cup will be vital for the team’s preparation leading into the World Championships in Dubai and Paris 2024 qualifiers later in the year.
“This next 12 months will be a crucial and busy year for the Australian Women’s Wheelchair basketball program and it’s important we make the most of every opportunity,” Campbell said.
“We have the World Championships in June, followed by Paris 2024 qualifiers in December, so having high-level international games are incredibly beneficial for both athlete development and our development as a program,” he added.
In addition to competing on the court, the Gliders will also have the chance to engage with the local community in Osaka and promote wheelchair basketball in schools and through cultural initiatives arranged by event organisers.
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