PG Titans, a Tradition of Integrating Sport
By Kelly Sharp
PG Titans Avril Harris provides shooting pointers to mini-hoopsters
The Prince George Titans wheelchair basketball program celebrated 25 years of reaching out to disabled and able-bodied in northern BC. Whether wheelchair basketball demonstrations in schools or teaching the sport to adults, the main goal of the Titans is to create community awareness about wheelchair sports.“We show able bodied people you do not have to be afraid of wheelchair sports, for the disabled it’s about being just like everyone else.” Nancy Harris of the Titans said.
The Titans once-a-week mini-hoops program at the Prince George Kinsmen Community Complex attracts disabled and able-bodied youth. The popular program develops wheelchair basketball skills while stressing safety.
Eric Hagreen of Prince George was first introduced to wheelchair basketball during his high school days at Kelly Road. I can still remember Pat Harris and the Titans putting on a demonstration, right here in this gym,” the 34 year-old Hagreen said pointing to the host venue for this past weekend’s provincial wheelchair basketball finals. The 10 year provincial team player of wheelchair basketball is the first able-bodied athlete to compete in the National Wheelchair Basketball Division 1 League. He wheels onto the basketball court for the Rick Hansen Foundation sponsored Vancouver team, competing against American teams.
There is a definite sense of friendship and family after a hard game of basketball.
“There is no animosity between teams,” agreed Hagreen. “It’s all about friendships.”
Prince George Titans wheelchair basketball program is one year older than the BC Wheelchair Basketball Society, the non-profit organization providing support to wheelchair basketball programs throughout BC. Former Para Olympian Pat Harris has been the driving force behind the Titans since wheelchair sports was introduced in Prince George. “Pat Harris was the inspiration,” Carrie Linegar, Managing Director of the BCWBS said. “It is remarkable how much he has contributed to the program in northern BC.”
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There is no question in my mind that a BC Title of this magnitude is worth every bit as much as any Provincial accolade brought to our city.
Inspiring the youth of our community only makes our city a better place to live. Pat Harris and his group have done so by showing that despite adversity they can showcase our City equal or better than any group so representative.
There is little doubt in my mind that his story will be repeated on a National scale soon.
Tom Masich