Charles Ryan
Hall of Fame Class: 2013 Role: Contributor
Although his first involvement in the game was as a player in Sydney’s western suburbs, Charles Ryan is perhaps best remembered for his role as a founding father of the National Wheelchair Basketball League.
In a role similar to that of Hall of Fame Legend Dr. John Raschke, it was Ryan who proved to be the inspiration for the NWBL in the 1980’s. Such was his influence that the perpetual trophy for the league is named in his honour.
After this amazing accomplishment, Ryan turned his attention to the women’s game and in particular his beloved Dandenong Rangers. As President of the Dandenong Basketball Association he oversaw the expansion of Dandenong Stadium into one of the premier indoor sport facilities in Australia. In 2009, Ryan became a member of BA’s High Performance Commission, and oversaw the National Intensive Training Program and the Australian Junior Championships.
He was awarded Life Membership by both Dandenong Basketball Association and Basketball Victoria in 2011 before his passing on the 3rd of September 2011.
