(Ottawa, Ont.) Wheelchair Basketball Canada is proud to congratulate Steve Bach of Edmonton, Alta. on being re-elected Vice-President of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF). Bach was voted in for a second term in the role on Friday August 24 during the IWBF World Congress which was held in conjunction with the 2018 World Wheelchair Basketball Championship.
In addition to his work with the IWBF, Bach serves as President of Wheelchair Basketball Canada. He was also a development officer with the IWBF Americas Zone, and the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games Sport Organizing Chair
“Steve Bach is known in Canada and around the world as a very well-respected and passionate leader in wheelchair basketball. Congratulations to him on being named Vice-President of the IWBF. His contributions to the growth of the sport throughout his career have been immense. So it is an absolute privilege and very exciting to continue to work with such a quality individual on the growth of the sport here at home and abroad,” said Wendy Gittens, Executive Director, Wheelchair Basketball Canada.
Forty-four member countries from around the world were present at the IWBF World Congress, which was held in Hamburg, Germany, to hear about the progress made by IWBF since 2014 and to elect the executive council.
Joining Bach on the IWBF executive council for the next four years are:
- President Ulf Mehrens (Germany)
- Treasurer Craig Moorgas (South Africa)
- Chairperson of the Commission for Legal Matters and Eligibility (CLME) Francisca Ravestein (Netherlands)
- Chairperson of the Competition Commission Charlie Bethel (Great Britain)
- Chairperson of the Technical Commission Cristian Roja (Italy)
- Chairperson of the Classification Commission Regina Costa (Portugal)
- Member-at-large, Toufic Allouche (Lebanon)
- Member-at-large, Matthew Wells (Australia)
- IWBF Africa President Hamid El Aouni (Morocco)
- IWBF Americas President Cristina Rosello (Uruguay)
- IWBF Asia Oceania President Saad Alazma (Kuwait)
- IWBF Europe President Walter Pfaller (Austria)
“Over the past four years we have made big steps in developing the federation, but we need to continue this momentum going forward to create a professional and sustainable future for our sport. I know this board also believe in all our goals and aims and will work hard to achieve this,” said Mehrens.
Following the congress Norbert Kucera, was appointed IWBF’s new Secretary-General by the Executive Council. The IWBF also recognized seven new member nations Afghanistan, Cyprus, Estonia, India, Indonesia, Uganda, and Norway.
About Wheelchair Basketball Canada
Wheelchair Basketball Canada is the national sport governing body responsible for the organization of the sport in Canada. It is a non-profit, charitable organization that is committed to excellence in the development, support and promotion of wheelchair basketball programs and services for all Canadians from grassroots to high performance. Wheelchair basketball is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, competitive sport in which Canada is held in high esteem around the world for winning a combined six gold, one silver, and one bronze medal in the last seven Paralympic Games.