British Wheelchair Basketball awards Mark Fosbrook 'Our Heroes' medal
British Wheelchair Basketball recognised retiring British international player Mark Fosbrook with an 'Our Heroes' medal during the 2018 Continental Clash Great Britain versus Canada game. The Oswestry local and accomplished athlete is also an Engagement Advisor for Activity Alliance in the West Midlands.
Mark’s career has spanned over two decades and he has represented his nation internationally at three sports – wheelchair basketball, volleyball and wheelchair rugby.
During his career with the GB men’s senior wheelchair basketball team Mark has tallied a gold and a silver European Medal, and competed in the 2014 World Championships.
Wearing number 13, Mark is known within the team as a dedicated family man, who brought an open and humble character to the squad. A huge ambassador for the sport he loves, Mark regularly took time out of his busy work schedule and playing life to speak about his incredible career at local schools and to the media.
Alongside his international sporting success, Mark also performed at elite level notably in swimming and rowing, and was team manager for wheelchair rugby in Beijing.
On receiving his medal, Mark’s current team mates assembled on court to honour the moment with a team guard of honour.
GB’s Head Coach Haj Bhania reflected on Mark’s career and retirement adding:
“We were sad to hear of Mark’s retirement from the GB World Class Programme. Balancing sport, family commitments and full time work is challenging and Mark’s ability to manage this and his support to the team has proved to be a great learning experience for all of us. His knowledge and experience has been very beneficial.
“His size and agility on court meant that he regularly played beyond his classification – an incredible team player. Thank you to him, and to his wife Emma, for their dedication and selfless commitment to wheelchair basketball over many years.”
On receiving his medal Mark commented:
“For me representing my country has always been my greatest honour – I’ve had an incredible career playing at elite level for three para sports. It’s been a difficult and heartfelt decision to retire from the sport and my GB wheelchair basketball family.
“At this moment, retiring from wheelchair basketball is the right choice for me and my family – it will allow me to focus on my young children, my phenomenal and supportive wife, and a career with the Activity Alliance which is incredibly rewarding.”
