Competition Begins at 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships

Today kicks off the first day of competition for athletes at the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships in Richmond, Canada.

Starting off the day will be Canada against Great Britain and USA against Germany. The two high-intensity games will be the first to take place at the Richmond Olympic Oval, with more following in the afternoon and early evening.

At a gala Opening Ceremony on 19 September in the host city, the BC Wheelchair Sports Association, the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association and the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) officially welcomed the world for the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships. Audiences unable to get tickets can still watch as Sport Canada TV will be broadcasting every game live to fans across the world.

To watch competition, please visit the Sport Canada TV website at http://sportscanada.tv.

Taking place through 26 September, the 12 competing nations include: Australia (2010 Coupe Canada Cup holders), Canada (2002 World Champions), New Zealand (2004 Paralympic Champions) and USA (2008 Paralympic Champions), who will be joined by Argentina, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Poland, and Sweden.

Laurel Crosby, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships said: “The Richmond Oval is an incredible sporting venue and we are looking forward to bringing it to life once again with world-class international competition.

“With ticket sales to many games reaching capacity, the atmosphere at the Oval promises to be electric. Broadcasting live over the internet will allow us to share the excitement with the fans of all the competing teams.”