Gliders return with silver

Australian Women's Wheelchair Basketball team the Gliders have returned from the Osaka Cup in Japan with a silver medal, failing narrowly to emulate their success of the previous two years.

The Gliders fielded three new players in the tournament including Woy Woy player Ms Stephanie Van Leeuwen.

"It was a great opportunity to learn new skills and experience playing at such a high level," said Ms Van Leeuwen.

"Unfortunately we lost the grand final to Japan by two points in the last 1.3 seconds of the game.

"All the girls on the team were very supportive, along with the coaching staff and the Japanese were very welcoming," she said.

"We also visited a school to teach the teenagers there how to play and also a rehab centre where we taught the children how to play.

"It was an amazing experience and to be able to share your skills with others was very special," said Ms Van Leeuwen.

Australian Women's Wheelchair Basketball head coach Mr John Triscari said "I am extremely proud of the players who kept to our game plan and didn't stop fighting until the very end of the game."

Media Release, 12 Feb 2011 Noel Rowsell, Parramatta Basketball Association Email, 8 Feb 2011 Stephanie Van Leeuwen, Woy Woy