Wheel Blacks Paralympic Qualifier Tournament - Day Ten

Day 10: Rising from the Ashes 🏉
Day ten brought with it a mix of reflection and determination as we navigated the aftermath of our disappointing defeat against Brazil. With our dream of qualifying now shattered, the stakes were low as we faced off against Canada.
The day began with heavy hearts and subdued spirits at breakfast, as we grappled with the disappointment of recent events. However, our 11:30am video session served as a rallying point—a chance to refocus our energies and set new goals for the day ahead. Today wasn't about the outcome but about giving everyone valuable time on the court and experimenting with different lineups.
Despite the setbacks, there was a glimmer of hope as Maia Marshall-Amai was reclassified as a 2-pointer after our protest. It was a testament to our persistence and belief in fighting for what's right.
As we took to the court against Canada, it was evident that our opponents held the upper hand. However, the game provided an opportunity for players like Ian and Jacinta to showcase their talents, despite limited playing time in the tournament thus far.
With our focus now shifted to our upcoming match against Colombia on Saturday, the goal is to finish on a high note and aim for a respectable 5th-place finish. A dedicated video session allowed us to analyze our performance against Canada and devise a solid plan for facing Colombia.
The day concluded with a team dinner and some well-deserved downtime, as we gathered to watch the One NZ Warriors take on the Raiders, finding solace and camaraderie in the shared experience of sportsmanship and competition.
As we look ahead to the final matches of the tournament, our spirits remain undaunted. It's not just about the outcome—it's about the journey and the resilience we've shown in the face of adversity.
Onward and upward, as we continue to rise from the ashes and forge ahead with renewed determination.