Team England has today announced the sixteen athletes set to represent the host nation in Running Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball at this summer’s Commonwealth Games. The squads feature a mix of players with previous Paralympic, World Championships, and European Championships experience.

This summer will see a fast-paced 3x3 format making its debut appearance in the Commonwealth Games, and the Wheelchair Basketball competition marks the first ever para team sport for Team England. The athletes, led by team leader and former England rugby player Justine Lucas, will entertain fans at Birmingham’s Smithfield venue from July 29th – August 2nd.

The men’s 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball team features Lee Manning, who won Paralympic bronze in Rio and Tokyo. Joining Manning is Tyler Baines, Charlie McIntyre and Aberrahim Taghrest. The women’s 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball team features Jade Atkin, Joy Haizelden, Charlotte Moore and Amy Conroy. Conroy, Moore and Haizelden made history at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games with a stunning fourth place finish. Following their success at Rio, the players have since built upon their success at World and European Championships.

Team England’s Generation 22 athlete, Myles Hesson will represent the host nation in the men’s 3x3 Running Basketball alongside teammates James Anderson, Kayne Henry and Orlan Jackman. 2021 NCAA champion, Hannah Jump joins Shanice Beckford-Norton, Chantelle Handy and Cheridene Green in the women’s squad.

This summer, Team England will comprise of over 400 athletes in total, all of whom will look to capitalise on the once in a lifetime opportunity to bring home success in their own country.

The Wheelchair Basketball players announced to represent Team England are:

Women

·       Jade Atkin – Portsmouth

·       Amy Conroy – London (from Norwich)

·       Joy Haizelden – Southampton

·       Charlotte Moore – Coventry

Men

·       Tyler Baines – Barrow-in-Furness

·       Lee Manning – Wolverhampton (from Peterborough)

·       Charlie McIntyre – Southend

·       Abderrahim Taghrest – Watford, Hertfordshire

The Running Basketball players announced to represent Team England are:

Women

  • Shanice Beckford-Norton – London
  • Cheridene Green – London
  • Chantelle Handy – Durham
  • Hannah Jump – Coventry 

Men

  • Jamell Anderson – Nottingham
  • Kayne Henry – London
  • Myles Hesson – Birmingham
  • Orlan Jackman – London

 

Speaking to Team England on his selection, Birmingham local Myles Hesson said “It really means a lot to be playing for England. I have been watching the Games since I was a child and to be competing in my hometown for England is something I never imagined, but I am looking forward to it. Personally, and as a team, we are hoping to get a gold medal so that’s what we are preparing for.”

Speaking on her excitement to compete in front of a home crowd, Amy Conroy shared “It’s an absolute honour to be selected to represent Team England – I could not be more hyped! When I’ve played in front of a home crowd before it’s been completely electric and gives us serious energy to step it up a level.” 

Women’s Basketball player Shanice Beckford-Norton said “It’s a privilege to be representing England at the Commonwealth Games, especially since it’s one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events and even better because we have a great chance of medalling. 

“Through the preparatory periods of this and last summer, we have learnt a lot about 3x3 Basketball and what’s needed to win. Stef Collins has put in a lot of work to get us the information that we need, we have a great squad of talented players and I trust in our plan.”

Making his Commonwealth Games debut, Charlie McIntyre commented “It’s quite astonishing really, I’m lost for words. It’s incredible to be selected. I think it’s going to be an amazing experience with a home crowd, I’ve never played in front of that many people! I think the crowd will make the whole experience better being able to play in front of the crowd and hopefully get them buzzing to see Wheelchair Basketball.” 

Team England’s Chef de Mission, Mark England OBE, welcomed the players to the team: “Running Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball alike are thrilling, high-energy sports and we’re delighted to see these new formats make their Commonwealth Games debut in Birmingham this summer. I would like to congratulate each of the athletes on being selected to represent Team England.”

You can get behind Team England by following its social channels where each athlete will become Part of the Pride in the run up to Birmingham.

The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event with a fully integrated programme of para sport disciplines and this year’s Games promises to be extra special with full stadiums and arenas after Tokyo 2020 took place behind closed doors. Birmingham 2022 is set to have the largest ever female and para sport programme in history.