Wheel Blacks Paralympic Qualifier Tournament - Day Four
Day 4: Preparation and Unity 🏉
Day four saw the Wheel Blacks transition to our tournament base at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport, marking a pivotal moment in our journey towards the Paralympic Qualifier Tournament.
After breakfast, we packed our belongings, ensuring we were ready to depart from the hotel by 10am. To streamline the process, we divided our team, with each member assigned specific responsibilities. While some prepared the rugby gear and loaded the truck, others focused on getting everyone ready at the hotel.
Arriving at NZCIS, my second carer and I took charge of unloading the luggage and ensuring a smooth check-in process. With meticulous planning, we organized the rooms in advance, allowing players to seamlessly settle in upon their arrival.
A tour of the facility followed, showcasing the "Green Room" where our battles will unfold, the "Village" that will serve as our home for the next ten days, and the "Premiers Changing Rooms" where vital video sessions will take place. The sheer excellence of the facilities left us inspired, with visions of the Swedish team's past stay (During the FIFA Women's world cup 2023) echoing in our minds.
The day concluded with a video session and a delightful dinner, fostering team cohesion and strategic focus. As part of our nightly routine, I convened a staff meeting to ensure everyone's well-being and to review each player's health and performance, recognizing the importance of maintaining peak condition as we progress through the competition.
With unity and determination, we're ready to embrace the challenges ahead and strive for victory.
Stay tuned for more updates as our journey unfolds.