South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt is thrilled that local wheelchair rugby player Kylie Grimes from Farnham has been selected to represent Team GB at the 2012 Paralympic Games. Kylie, who plays for the Kent Crusaders, is only the second female player to ever be selected. Kylie made her GB debut in 2011 at the GB cup in Cardiff, taking silver in a fiercely contested match against eventual winners Australia.
Wheelchair rugby is played on a basketball court with each side seeking to score by crossing their goal line while in possession of a regulation volleyball. Each team can field four players at one time, with a total classification point value of 8.0 per squad. When GB Coach Tom O’Connor adds Kylie to a line up, GB gains a 0.5 advantage on court. This allows the 8.0 points to be split between the remaining 3 players on court.
With four eight minute quarters, wheelchair rugby is a full contact, fast and highly tactical sport. Therefore, it is no surprise to discover that wheelchair rugby has become one of the hottest tickets at Games-time.
Jeremy said: “Following the success of fellow Farnham Paralympian Rachel Morris, Kylie can be sure that the whole of the town and South West Surrey will be firmly behind her as she represents Great Britain in one of the most anticipated Paralympic sports this summer. Good luck Kylie!”