End of year message…

Dear friends and colleagues?

At the end of the year, I like to reflect back as well as perhaps more importantly look forward into 2023.

The start of 2022 felt like we were coming out of the pandemic with a sense of what it would take to work and live with Covid-19. Events were going ahead but still with precautions in place. It is still with sadness that the World Health Organisations website states, global confirmed deaths stand at over six and a half million. The vaccination programme has been a positive strategy to help battle the virus and as I read the website, I note with interest news around vaccination equity. Still a challenge but with solutions in place. The?WHO.int?website is worth a visit.?

The cancellation of the Asia – Oceania Championship that was due to take place in April was disappointing with the top three teams from the world ranking list subsequently qualifying for the upcoming World Championship.?

March?was the time for our Americas Championship in Colombia, many of the teams were pleased to be able to get back to competition. Brazil were particularly happy as they qualified for their first World Championship appearance.

In February, I was looking forward to travelling out to Paris for the European Championship, this was the first event I?attended after pandemic travel restrictions had been eased. On the train journey over, news started coming in of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. I remember being on the phone for the majority of the journey seeking advice and guidance where needed. The war continues with horrific stories of civilian targets and people being targeted. The winter in that part of the world is fierce and will surely test people's resilience.?

The world of sport has responded in different ways, with the WWR Board providing their stance in early March. This decision resulted in the Russian wheelchair rugby team not being eligible to qualify for the 2023 European Championship. The General Assembly has subsequently agreed to fully suspend the Russian WWR Member Nation.?

It sometimes feels hard to raise my head from difficult and worrying situations but I am always lifted by the many individuals I meet not just in wheelchair rugby but my personal life.

In particular is my close friend David Pond. Many will know him from his previous role with GB Wheelchair Rugby. He also continues on as one of the driving forces behind 2023’s European Championship in Wales. David has been out to Poland and Ukraine several times and with his previous military background and experience, understands what is needed to help people within war zones.?

Unfortunately, there are many conflicts in the world but I'm asking for those that can please visit David's blog and updates and where you can donate through the following link –?https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ukraine-first?

Any year that involves the World Championship is special and Denmark rose to the occasion as hosts by putting on a spectacular show. The activity on social media was significant as well as through YouTube, Danish national television as well as the international feed. My first congratulations goes to the Danish organising committee, who raised the bar and delivered the best World Championship ever. Of course, the second congratulation goes to the newly crowned World Champions, Australia.?

Denmark also saw the opportunity for the WWR Board and Working Group Chairs to come together for a review of our strategic plan. This is where I start to focus on looking forward and again would encourage you to read through the various documents that are posted on our website highlighting the outcomes and focus for the next two years. Read the summary here:?WWR Strategic Plan 2019 - 2024?

I would particularly like to mention two important priorities, a renewed look at our coaching course and its development with a view to rolling it out to more member nations. Secondly, looking at how we can increase female athlete participation. We are always proud of our sport being open to all genders but we need to do more. We need to look at how we can create better initiatives and environments for all athletes. WWR will be consulting with Member Nations more on these priorities.

My thanks to everyone involved in WWR, always too many to mention and such an amazing group of committed volunteers. Also, to all our sponsors and partners for their support. Lastly, to the National Member Organisations who are delivering their national programmes often through difficult and challenging circumstances.?

Whether you are celebrating or enjoying the festive period or not, I wish you all the best.?

Kind regards,

Richard Allcroft?

WWR President