Guadalajara Experience: Para Panamerican Games 2011: Basketball medal matches

We were all waiting for the end of the Games for the wheelchair basketball gold medal matches. All were expecting both men and women’s finals to be a USA vs Canada event. The men faltered in a surprising upset against Columbia who took to the end with a tie then flew away in the 5 minutes of extra time to go for gold while the men would be left to battle the Mexico team for bronze. They did succeed and get a berth to London for the Paralympics in August of 2012. Everyone was riveted to their computer screens during the semi final match as it was not televised but streamed online. We could hear groans from every group of people in the operations office and even upstairs in one of the common rooms where the women’s basketball team was watching the men trying to catch up. As mentioned, the men took the bronze last night in front of an animated Mexican crowd.

Yesterday, I spent most of the morning with clinic packing responsibilities. Since the Games are ending, we have to get everything back home and it’s quite a burden. Customs are quite particular, as we have to itemize all the crates contents; even what medication and how many pills are in each crate. Doesn’t it sound like fun? It is better to start doing this now as we are winding down since I want to be completely done by the 21^st so I can get some time off to go into town for a little visit…and a nice meal in a restaurant.

The Canadians go for Gold

Pressure was mounting as the women’s basketball team was to play in the gold medal game against their rivals, USA. I do have a special connection to the women’s team as their team physician. I know the players and the coaching staff well and truly enjoy being involved with them and helping them. The day was all about preparation. We all had lunch together then a team meeting outside as it was gorgeous and warm. I went back to my fun packing and organizing job and then we boarded the transport at 3:45. Unfortunately, the team didn’t play as well as they are capable. As the coach said: they didn’t bring their “A game”. The bad thing is that the Americans brought their A+ game and we lost badly. Quite a difference form early last week when we played them as a friendly scrimmage practice and dominated them. The girls all know each other well as most of the Americans play in the NCAA in the parasport varsity divisions. 4 of our players are at the University of Alabama. Oh well, it wasn’t for that day. Silver medal for the Canadian women and bronze for the men. As soon as the game ended, the post game de-brief in the locker room immediately re-focused to the Paralympic Games. It will be an intense preparation to get ready for the next big event.

Although there were a lot of frustrations, it was all smiles for the medal presentation.