The Australian Gliders have touched down in Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Showdown as part of their final preparations leading up to the upcoming 2022 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation World Championships in Dubai next month.
Between the 18-20 May, the team will face off in a series of friendlies against two basketball powerhouses, the United States and Canada. With a total of six games scheduled, three against each nation at the USA Olympic & Paralympic Training Centre in Colorado Springs.
These matches are an integral component of the team's pre-tournament preparations for the upcoming World Championships scheduled to occur from 9-20 June.
Originally planned for the previous year, the Championships were rescheduled to 2023. Gliders' Head Coach Craig Campbell, said coming together as a team to play against traditionally tough opponents will greatly contribute to their overall preparation for the global stage.
“It’s always tough competition against the USA & Canada.
“As we enter the final stages of preparation for World Champs in Dubai, high-quality games will help continue to evolve our program, so we are ready on June 10th to face China in game 1 of pool play.”
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One notable addition to the playing line-up is Hannah Dodd, who returns after a successful season in Europe playing for PDM Treviso in Italy.
Dodd's presence will add strength and depth to the team, and her experience will be invaluable in the upcoming games and the World Championships.
Dodd conveyed her delight at reuniting with her Australian teammates on the court as they have one last hit out before their next international meet in Dubai.
“I’m really looking forward to being back on court with the whole team. “This tournament is a great opportunity to get some games under our belts and find line-ups that work for us and get some of the player’s international experience up before the World Champs in a few weeks.”
All games will be live-streamed via the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.
Click here to stay updated with the latest news and updates regarding the Australian Gliders' travels and their journey towards the World Championships.
| Team | |||||
| Lucinda Bueti | Jess Cronje | Laura Davoli | Annabelle Dennis | Hannah Dodd | Breanna Fisk |
| Georgia Inglis | Maryanne Latu | Isabel Martin | Amber Merritt | Georgia Munro-Cook | Sarah Vinci |
