Troy Sachs is active, determined and has always excelled at sports, despite having his leg amputated before he was three. He has been a relentless ambassador for his beloved wheelchair basketball, since the early days of travelling for hours to find a team to train with, to making it to the big league and scoring a scholarship to play in the US under contract to the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks.
Troy originally started his basketball playing journey with his able-bodied peers, until a knee injury made him take stock and consider moving onto the wheelchair basketball court instead. “It was fast and rough and seemed like a natural progression,” Troy says of transitioning to the wheelchair counterpart, and he hasn’t looked back. Troy has represented Australia at the Paralympics five times. Yes, five. Picking up two gold medals (1996 and 2008) along the way, which Troy says are highlights from his stellar career on the court.
Since putting the brakes on his international wheelchair basketball playing days, Troy has spent the past eight years championing the sport and was recently inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. “It’s an amazing accolade,” Troy says of his achievement. “An award that transcends disability and celebrates sport.”
Now, he’s determined to bring awareness of wheelchair basketball – namely the Blues Wheelchair Basketball Club of which Canada Bay Club are a proud sponsor, and our very own Rhys Baxter is a member – to the wider community. So, who are the Blues Wheelchair Basketballers? Troy explains, “The club is currently going into its fourth year and has three teams. The teams are a mix of members who want to play competitively and also those who use wheelchair basketball for fitness and recreation.”
“The Blues Wheelchair Basketball Club is the only club that creates a clear pathway from novice and beginner to elite-level playing, while encompassing each individual’s fitness desire,” Troy continues. Can anyone join a team? “The National League is a mixed competition. The junior academy is also a mixed competition. The club accepts all-comers – male, female and able-bodied,” confirms Troy.
Canada Bay Club can vouch for the amazing teamwork that goes into an organisation such as the Blues Wheelchair Club. Our financial support has helped provide the Blues with transport to games, hiring of courts for training and competition, and kitting the players out in team uniforms. Canada Bay Club’s Rhys reveals his proudest achievements: “Travelling overseas for the sport and getting to play in the highest level of wheelchair basketball in Australia,” he says.
If you’re interested in learning more about this incredible sporting group and how you can join a team, support the club or just appreciate a good game of wheelchair basketball, take a leaf out of Troy’s book: “Come and take a look. It’s a great way to be fit and active. Bring a friend or family member along and put them in a chair.”
Troy has gone from smashing records – making his mark with a historical 42-point world-record breaking game at the 1996 Atlanta games – to smashing boundaries and Canada Bay Club is thrilled to be right there with the Blues contributing to much-needed funds along the way. So to our Inner West community, why don’t you get your “hoop” on and discover your inner baller today? It’ll be life changing. Click here to find out more.
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Sachs
