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Comox duo honoured at BC Wheelchair Basketball awards banquet

Kratz named volunteer of the year, McLean receives special recognition award

 

 

The BC Wheelchair Basketball Society (BCWBS) honoured the accomplishments of its members – including two from Comox – at an annual awards night, which took place this Saturday at the banquet for the BC Division of the Canadian Wheelchair Basketball League finals. Athletes, coaches, officials and partners from around the province attended.

Among the nine awards handed out, Karin Kratz was Volunteer of the Year and Frances McLean received a Special Recognition Award. A BCWBS spokesperson said the two were not at the banquet and will receive their awards in Comox.

Volunteer of the Year Karin Kratz has been the driving force behind bringing wheelchair basketball to the Comox Valley. She arranged for gym time at the Comox Recreation Centre gym, got the staff on board, talked wheelchair basketball up with her friends, folks on the street and with local newspapers, begged and borrowed to get equipment and even advanced personal finances and managed the club's finances to get and keep the game going.

On June 2009, Karin collected enough support from individuals for the creation of the Comox Valley Wheelchair Sport Society. Karin completed all the administrative work required, including writing the constitution and by-laws, and registering with the Corporate Registry. Currently, she sits as president of the board.

Special Recognition Award Despite the fact that she is “79 years young,” Frances McLean contributes in an exceptional manner both on and off the court. Since stricken with severe arthritis and having undergone leg surgery, all thoughts of playing basketball were buried until Fran found wheelchair basketball three years ago.

She now rarely misses a practice with the Comox team and takes advantage of her six-foot frame and able-bodied basketball experience to mentor other players. Fran also contributes off the court as a director on the board and is willing to help out whenever asked.

BCWBS is committed to creating awareness of disability issues and has provided support to wheelchair basketball programs throughout British Columbia. For over 25 years, BCWBS has delivered exceptional integrated and inclusive programs and experiences to people with and without physical disabilities and to all age groups.

BCWBS promotes opportunities for participation, recreation, competition, and excellence in the sport of wheelchair basketball. Prestigious alumni include Eugene Reimer, Terry Fox, Rick Hansen and Marni Abbott-Peter.

To get involved or learn more about BCWBS events and programs check out www.bcwbs.ca.