A celebration and recognition of clubs, players, coaches, officials and volunteers.

Saturday 30^th June marked the annual Richard Langhorn Trust Wheelchair Basketball Awards – this year themed to celebrate all things German ahead of the World Championships in Hamburg in August.

Each year British Wheelchair Basketball continues to be truly humbled by the countless hours’ dedication to further of our sport that individuals across the country demonstrate.

We are delighted to announce this year’s shortlisted nominees and award winners.

Official of the Year

Awarded to a referee, classifier, table official or statistician who has contributed above and beyond the call of duty, helped and supported people within the sport and been an ambassador for wheelchair basketball.

• Shortlisted: Alisha Lowe-Nemeth
• Shortlisted: Frances Kremarik

Winner: Jan Timms

“I’m really honoured just to be nominated. Officiating of this sport provides an incredible family appeal. From grassroots through to international you really become part of the wheelchair basketball family.”

Young Volunteer of the Year

The Award recognises a volunteer aged 19 and under who has made a significant contribution to their club or community in wheelchair basketball.

• Shortlisted: Faith Barker

Winner: Leanna Adams

“I came into this sport because of my brothers and now I play for the Aces so I can play with them. I volunteered to support IZB and make sure that the sport is delivered so young people had the opportunity to play.”

Volunteer of the Year

This Award recognises a volunteer aged 20 and over who has made a significant contribution to their club or community through wheelchair basketball, particularly supporting young people within the sport.

• Shortlisted: Grace Jacca
• Shortlisted: Peter Rapley

Winner: Dylan Cummings

“To put it simply – I love wheelchair basketball. It is a great sport that has helped me to meet some very amazing people in my life.  I put information about the sport out there so there’s greater understanding. I hope young people thinking about the sport may read my reports and be further encouraged to try.”

Development Coach of the Year

This award recognises the outstanding contribution of an affiliated coach who in the last 12 months has made a significant contribution to their club or community in wheelchair basketball, particularly supporting young people within the sport.

• Shortlisted: Chris Bycroft
• Shortlisted: Lewis Bird

Winner: Grant Barker

“I became involved with the sport because of Liam and Reece – I enjoyed coaching and spending time with the kids. The more I got into the sport the more I enjoyed it. Thames Valley Kings is an incredible team to coach – I love seeing their progression.”

Rising Star

The Rising Star Award formerly known as Junior Player of the Year recognises a young person aged 19 years or under who in the last 12 months has made a strong impact on their club, region or national team.

• Shortlisted: Liam Barker
• Shortlisted: Lucy Robinson
• Winner: Anastasia Blease

Club of the Year

The Award recognises a club that has sought to develop and highlight the sport with a particular focus around young people.

• Shortlisted: Cheshire Phoenix
• Shortlisted: Sussex Bears

Winner:  Sheffield Steelers

“It was a great honour to accept this award on behalf of our club. We’ve had an incredible year but it would not have been possible without a lot of hard work and commitment from our support network.” Kev Hayes.

Services to Sport

The Service to Wheelchair Basketball Award is the highest honour awarded by British Wheelchair Basketball.  

This award recognises an individual who has made a sustained contribution and displayed consistent dedication to wheelchair basketball over a period of at least 15 years.

The winner of this award has been a wheelchair basketball coach and player for over 50 years and remains an invaluable member of the club.

• Bobby Park