FUNDRAISING TOURNEY

Branlyn Neighbourhood Association's Jacob Cloutier, left, sets up for a shot Saturday during the Brantford Wheelchair Basketball Tournament with Brantford Police Association's Josh Werner, on the right, hustling to defend.

Branlyn Neighbourhood Association came out on top Saturday winning the 26th wheelchair basketball tournament in Brantford.

Twelve teams participated at the Branlyn Community Centre raising just over $7,000 for the tournament organizers, Brantwood Community Services and Participation Support Services.

“It was another big success,” said co-organizer Doug Hunt, director of fundraising, marketing and volunteers at Participation Support Services. “We're a great partnership between Brantwood Community Services and Participation Support Services.”

Co-organizer Tracy Humphrey, Brantwood director of services, said there were two new teams and several returning teams. “There's room for more next year.”

Branlyn Neighbourhood Association, the tournament's major sponsor, defeated Brantford Police Association 10-8 in Saturday's championship final.

The Another Round team raised more than $1,900 and Spokebenders, winners of Saturday's consolation final defeating Brantwood Community Services 18-14, raised more than $1,200.

Most teams had once-a-year wheelchair basketball players, said Humphrey, who come back year after year.

“I think it's just a different experience. You think you can play basketball but it's harder (in a wheelchair). Everybody's sore afterwards, using muscles they don't normally use. And trying to stay in your chair… you really get an appreciation for it.”