Malaysia hosts first wheelchair rugby workshop

Athletes, staff gain more knowledge about classification and game skills. 09 May 2015

A picture of a man in a wheelchair trying to make a pass with a ball.

Ryadh Sallem from France Wheelchair Rugby Team in action during the France training in Poitiers, France - April 2012.

ⒸD.Echelard - NPC France

By International Wheelchair Rugby Federation

The Malaysian Wheelchair Rugby Federation (MWFR) hosted the inaugural South East Asia Wheelchair Rugby Workshop at the Paralympic Excellence Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event, held 24-26 April, drew representatives from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, and focused on teaching basic game skills and growing the sport in the region.

The International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) Development Committee supported the three-day workshop by providing guidance and advice to the local organisers.

IWRF classifier Deborah Duffield attended the event to teach athletes and staff more about classification, and also taught players about the importance of strapping and seating position in the sport. Duffield will be in Indonesia for the next five weeks, and will help identify new players during her stay, particularly low pointers.

With the success of the workshop, the MWRF are planning to make it an annual event. In July, Indonesia Wheelchair Rugby will host the Bali 4's International Wheelchair Rugby tournament, which is open to national teams of developing nations and touring sides from active nations around the globe. The goal of the Bali 4’s is to bridge leading wheelchair rugby nations with developing nations.

For more information, visit the IWRF’s website.