After a three-year hiatus, the German National Team has returned to the Vancouver Invitational.

The 11th-ranked Germans are in Vancouver to prepare for this summer’s European Championships where they hope to qualify for the Paralympics for the first time since 2008.

The Germans have a rich history in wheelchair rugby and have competed at multiple Paralympics and World Championships.

Currently in a rebuilding phase, the team has a number of exciting prospects who will be in action at the Invitational.

History at the Vancouver Invitational

Germany is the only European team to have ever competed at the Invitational.

Led by 2014 World Championship all-star Thomas Schuwje, the team finished 6th in 2016. That tournament had an especially tough field that featured Paralympic heavyweights Japan and the United States.

Watch Out For!

Head coach Christoph Werner is bringing a young and hungry team to Vancouver that includes a mix of rookies and established talent. Here are three Germans to watch out for this weekend.

• Britta Kripke: A skilled defender and powerful picker. Kripke is one of several women competing and thriving at the international level. A veteran of the past two European Championships, she’ll be a key player for the team.
• Jens Sauerbier: An experienced class 2.0, who will be asked to provide leadership and playmaking for this youthful group. He’s also the Athlete Representative on the IWRF Board of Directors, ensuring that athletes have a say in the sport’s future.
• Marco Herbst The quick 3.5 class player will likely be Germany’s primary ball-handler. Look for him to have some exciting battles with opposing hi-pointers.

Learn more

To keep up-to-date with Team Germany follow them on Facebook and Instagram

For news about International Wheelchair Rugby including the upcoming European Championships, head over to iwrf.com

Thank You

Thank you to Boston Pizza Ackroyd for their support of the 2019 Vancouver Invitational and wheelchair rugby.