TWO Warwickshire Bears players have earned international recognition in another highlight to follow the club’s successful season.
In her first season with the Bears, Siobhan Fitzpatrick has been selected to play for Great Britain’s women’s team at this year’s European Championships, held in Tenerife until July 1.
Meanwhile, Dan Gill, who starred in the Bears 2nds’ title success, has been picked to represent GB in in wheelchair basketball at this year’s Invictus Games, held in Canada in September.
This year has marked Fitzpatrick’s first season with the Bears, who she helped to finish third – their highest ever league place – narrowly missing out on a play-off place.
She had already won a Great Britain call-up in this year’s Continental Cup and now wants to help her country impress at the Euros.
“Hard work really does pay off. I’m so excited to have made my first senior major tournament and to be the first CP athlete it makes it even better,” she said.
“I just want to enjoy it and make memories and help GB reach their first ever final.”
Another member of the Warwickshire Bears to get international recognition is Gill who, after acting as a spearhead for the Bears 2nds and contributing to the team’s victory in their league, has been picked to represent GB at the Invictus Games.
After being injured in Afghanistan, Gill started his basketball career with the Bears in 2013 and has gone from strength to strength, culminating in his selection for this year’s Invictus Games squad.
“Being selected for the Invictus team has been almost surreal!” he said.
“After my injuries, I didn’t think I’d make it back into sport at all, let alone achieve selection into a team of such a high standard. It just goes to show that hard work and perseverance really does pay off.”
Bears welcome experienced players and complete beginners to their training sessions at Warwickshire College sports hall in Henley on Tuesday evenings. Contact coach Tom Masterson on 07946 518354 for details.
