The Men’s National Sitting Volleyball team wrapped up a training camp this past weekend in Grande Prairie, AB as they continue to build towards their goal of qualifying for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Among the athletes at this camp were three players from western Manitoba who hope to help Team Canada achieve this goal.
Chris Bird (33 years old from Brandon) has been with Team Canada since 2012 and would now be considered one of the veterans on the team. Chris was originally involved in sledge hockey following a car accident that resulted in the loss of his right leg at the age of 15. He was eventually recruited to play sitting volleyball and has since represented Canada in numerous competitions around the globe.
Matteo Lisoway (21 years old from Minnedosa) lost his leg due to bone cancer which was diagnosed during surgery after breaking his leg at work. Matteo was identified with the help of Fury club Coach Chris Marshall who is an amputee himself and is involved in ‘Limb Loss Awareness’. Matteo is a new athlete to Team Canada who hopes to help the team qualify for the 2019 Pan Am Games in Peru and the 2020 Paralympics.
Brad Hunter (28 years old from Brandon) lost his leg after an accident in 2014 where he was hit by a train. He was approached about five months ago by Chris Bird outside a convenience store while eating some ice cream and Chris introduced himself and talked to Brad about coming out to some sitting volleyball practices. Brad had played standing volleyball throughout elementary and high school in Thompson so he accepted the offer, and is excited for the opportunity to represent his country in a sport he loves.
In between training camps in Alberta held every month, the athletes have also had training support in Brandon from ACC coaches Joel Small and Sam Isfeld along with ongoing support from BU’s Grant Wilson and Frank Jones.
We wish the trio all the best as they strive for on-court excellence. You can follow the athletes and the team progress on the following social media sites:
