by Hayley
Robinson

hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

There is less than a year to go until the London Paralympics and
the excitement is starting to build for Steve Brown.

He is on a mission to make the GB team for wheelchair rugby.

The 30-year-old, of Crossways, Sittingbourne, got into the sport
after he lost the use of his lower body following a fall from a
balcony in Germany in 2005.

If recent events are anything to go by, it seems the former
Borden Grammar School pupil is not far off achieving his goal.

Four months ago he was selected as captain of the Great Britain
wheelchair rugby squad.

He said: "It was a big honour to be asked. I'm very proud."

But while the team automatically goes through to the games as
London is hosting the event, the players are yet to be
selected.

He added: "My place is not guaranteed. We are all doing all we
can to prove our worth and be in the squad."

Last week the team took on one of the highest level challenges
they will face between now and London 2012 – the GB Cup
Championships.

The three-day event at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, saw the squad
take on Australia, Japan, Belgium and Sweden.

They made it through to the final after beating Belgium but lost
out to Australia, who won 59-50. The Australians are ranked second
in the world.

The Brits are now at a four-week training camp in Norfolk as
part of the preparations for the upcoming European Championships in
October.

Steve, who lived in Minster, Sheppey, until the age of 18, said:
"We are going to have to work hard but I really believe we can be
European champions.

"We won two European championships back to back previously but
were beaten by Belgium at the last ones, so we're going to get our
crown back.

"The selection for the team will be next week, so I'm waiting
nervously to see if I'm selected."

• People can apply for tickets for theParalympic Games until 6pm on September 26. To find out more about the sport, visit Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby's website.