This entry was posted on Friday, September 19th, 2014at 11:11 am by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

Teammates Proud Of Andy’s Gold Medal Win At Invictus Games

Active Nation Supporter Andy McErlean helped the Team GB Wheelchair Basketball team to win gold in the Invictus Games.

Andy’s teammates at the Hampshire Harriers followed the team’s progress in the basketball competition and were proud to hear the news.

Head coach Terry Marsh from the club said: “Well done to Andy and the rest of the GB wheelchair basketball team. We’re so proud of them all – they are all heroes in our eyes.”

Andy injured his back in a serious car crash while serving with the Army in Germany. Not only did he injure his back, but he also fractured his skull and was also read his last rites in hospital. Since then he has travelled around the world representing the British Ex-Services Wheelchair Sports Association (BEWSA) – competing in many sports including basketball.

When he’s not busy representing his country at international sport, Andy is a regular at Active Nation’s Chamberlayne Leisure Centre where the Hampshire Harriers train and compete.

The team is the main activity of the Hampshire Wheelchair Sports Club which encourages wheelchair users to engage in sporting activities and improve their fitness. The team plays in the GBWBA (Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association) national league Division 3 South.

The club was started in the early 1980s by Terry at the request of his nephew who suffered muscular dystrophy. Terry agreed to a 3 month trial and over 30 years later he is still organising the team activities. In all this he is fully supported by his wife Annette who acts as a Club secretary and table official.

In 2004 following the Paralympics in Athens a development group was started for new players seeking a sport or just an improvement in their general fitness.

Terry added: “Training with our development group is available most Sundays between 12 and 2pm and is an opportunity to try out the sport or work at finding new levels of fitness.

“Young people in education who have never played sport before find this enjoyable and if there are enough spare chairs they can play alongside their family or friends on an equal basis, probably for the first time. Equally those who have suffered an accident or illness find this sport helps them to get active again and enjoy a social setting possibly for many years to come. And it is fun!”

New players are always welcome. The club’s current age range is 10 to 55. Men and women play alongside each other. There are a few club wheelchairs available to borrow and advice can be given to those who wish to purchase their own.

A separate junior club the Hampshire Hornets was formed in 2007 which takes younger players from 7 years upwards for basketball and other games. This offers basketball training but also encourages young persons using manual wheelchairs to participate in a range of games and activities.

Terry said: “Wheelchair basketball is suitable for those who have a physical impairment due to birth, illness, accident, or conflict. As well as providing an active team sport, there are the added opportunities to improve fitness, health, rehabilitation, and weight management, plus a new social scene. This can be a lifetime sport for many who seek to get out more, being more active, and having fun.

“Everyone is welcome to come and watch our hero Andy and the rest of the Hampshire Harriers at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre on Sundays 12-3pm This year Harriers’ home games are Sunday 28th September, 5th October, 19th October and 7th December. Come and watch the exciting game of Wheelchair Basketball!”

For more information contact Terry or Annette on 02392 352824

terry.marsh@hampshireharriers.org.uk or annette.marsh@hampshireharriers.org.uk