/2006

2006 World Championships of Wheelchair Rugby

Christchurch, New Zealand will be hosting the 4th World Championships of Wheelchair Rugby in September 2006.

Parafed Canterbury, with support of the Christchurch City Council, successful bid for this event and will host the Worlds top 12 teams.

As the New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby team (The Wheelblacks ) won the Gold medal at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, they will go into this prestigious event as number one seeds.

The President of the organizing committee and Oceania Zone President for Wheelchair Rugby, Mr. Ken Sowden said that the 2006 Worlds Championships will show case the most competitive and visual sport for people with disabilities in the world.
“ Canterbury is the strongest region within New Zealand for the sport and with the Wheelblacks being number one in the world the Christchurch public will be able to see some amazing clashes and some spectacular athletes.”
The event will be held at the Westpac Stadium and will run for 7 days of competition.

New Zealand has attended every World Championships since the first one in Switzerland in 1995 where they finished 3rd, Canada in 1998 - 2nd and a disappointing sixth place at Sweden in 2002.

If you would like any further information please contact Ken Sowden on 0064 3385-4449 or e-mail on ksowden@parafedcanterbury.co.nz