Australian Sliders Aim for Gold at World Championships

When Kieran Watts stumbled upon the Australian Sliders training 16 years ago, he never imagined he'd one day represent his country at a world championship. Now he's gearing up for his third trip to compete, and this time feels different.

The Sliders play powerchair hockey, a modified version of the sport designed for athletes who can't use manual wheelchairs. Players control motorized chairs with joysticks and use hockey sticks (either handheld or chair-mounted) to move a ball across the court. The intensity rivals any able-bodied sport, requiring incredible fitness and strategy.

This May, the team heads to Finland to face off against Canada and eight European countries. They're coming in hot with a completely revamped lineup: new coaching staff, new players, and a fresh mindset that has everyone buzzing with possibility.

The biggest game changer? Landing coaches Berrie Hommel and Marcel van den Muysenberg from the Netherlands, who bring two world medals and decades of experience. "We're on the good path and I think we can make a good thing in Finland," Hommel said. The team also welcomed Alexander Pedersen, who won the last championship with Denmark and now wears Australian green and gold.

Why This Inspires

The Sliders face challenges their competitors never encounter. While European teams can gather frequently for training, Australian players must fly interstate to Western Sydney, managing only a handful of practice sessions each year. They bridge the gap through individual drills, video study, and constant online communication.

Team manager Rachel Willmer believes powerchair sports don't get the recognition they deserve. "People have this misunderstanding that just because someone is in a powerchair that the chair is doing all the work for them," she explained. "If you watch the game it is really intense."

The journey to Helsinki won't be easy. The 26-person delegation needs more than $55,000 to cover flights, specialized equipment, powerchairs, and accommodation. But the team's determination outweighs every obstacle.

"It's always special to represent your country but I think with this new energy we have and fresh hope, it's even more special," Watts said. The team proudly placed fourth back in 2004, and now they're aiming for the podium with gold in their hearts.

Australia is ready to prove that distance, funding challenges, and limited training time are no match for passion and teamwork.