The Inter Spinal Injury Unit Games had yet another successful year. Teams from all over the UK descended upon Stoke Mandeville to compete in the 2016 Inter Spinal Injury Unit Games in a range of sports, with table tennis being one of the main sports.
The games were held over three days with over 220 athletes and support staff attending. On the Tuesday attendees had the chance to try various sports and table tennis was extremely popular with four tables in play throughout the day.
Coaches Karl Bushell and Shaun Newcomb provided guidance and tuition to a large number of players. Wednesday and Thursday were competition days and over 60 competitors took part in the table tennis tournaments. Play was very competitive which made for a thrilling watch. Pinderfields Spinal Injury Unit secured a double win in both the Men’s and Ladies Tetra finals, with Stoke Mandeville taking home the crown in the Men’s and Ladies Para finals.
The event was rounded up with an award ceremony dinner where Karl and Shaun presented the players with their medals.
“It is hoped that many players will join their local clubs and carry on playing.” Karl Bushell Table Tennis Coach
“Table Tennis England are working closely with WheelPower to support people with spinal injuries to have access to table tennis in Spinal Injury Centre’s. Events like this help show the positive impact sport can have on people and to see so many people enjoying table tennis at Stoke Mandeville this week was fantastic.” Steve McFadyen – Clubs and Disability Manger
For more information about the project contact Steve McFadyen [email protected]
Table Tennis Tournament Results
Ladies Tetra
Winner: Sami Peterson (Pinderfield)
Runner Up: Clare Hill Hobbs
3rd Place: Samantha Maguire (Glasgow)
Ladies Para
Winner: Esther Tsang (Stoke Mandeville)
Runner Up: Lisa Boyle (Belfast)
3rd Place: Sue Bailey (Sheffield)
Men’s Tetra
Winner: Adam England (Pinderfield)
Runner Up: James Puttrell (Stoke Mandeville)
3rd Place: Ryan Tucker (Rookwood)
Men’s Para
Winner: Mark Langewell (Stoke Mandeville) Runner Up: Colin McCrane (Dublin)
3rd Place: Allan Gillies (Glasgow)
If you are a wheelchair user or know someone who is, WheelPower would appreciate your support to help shape the future of wheelchair sport – follow the link for more information – http://www.wheelpower.org.uk/WPower/index.cfm/news/talkabouttakingpart-wheelpowers-national-survey-of-sport-and-physical-activity/