Australia's Steelers to host new global wheelchair rugby tournament in Adelaide

The Australian wheelchair rugby team, the "Steelers," will return to their home soil after many years away from the arena to participate in the new Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge held on home ground for the next three years. This event will greatly enhance the awareness of wheelchair rugby in Australia, drawing more people's attention to the sport.

The event will be held at the Netball SA Stadium in Adelaide from May 29 to June 1, 2025, and will also feature the National Championships and a new junior division. This series of events will provide a platform for wheelchair rugby athletes to showcase their talents and attract more young people to participate.

Wheelchair Rugby Australia CEO Chris Nay said the sport is ready to "break the mold and really challenge the mainstream." Mr. Nay believes that wheelchair rugby has the potential to break away from the inherent perception of disability sports and integrate into the mainstream Australian sports culture. "The level of competition and entertainment displayed by our athletes is fully comparable to many mainstream sports."

Ryley Batt is an iconic figure of the "Steelers," having participated in 353 games during his illustrious career. He is currently recovering from elbow and shoulder surgery and missed the "Steelers" tour in Japan. The 35-year-old athlete is eager to compete in Adelaide. "Announcing this event to be held in Adelaide, competing in front of fans, against some strong opponents, motivates me," Batt said, "I can guarantee that I will train hard, and the first thing I will do when I wake up tomorrow morning is go to the gym."

For Batt, wheelchair rugby saved him at a critical moment in his life. "I was born without legs and missing several fingers on each hand, and my upbringing was difficult," he said. "I used to be embarrassed about who I was and didn't like myself. It wasn't until my early twenties that I accepted and became proud of who I am." Batt fell in love with wheelchair rugby at first sight, attracted by the speed and physicality of the sport. "I like to crash on the court, and people may not realize that in wheelchair rugby, you can even knock your opponent out of their wheelchair, which is part of the game."

Riley Nixon, 10, is a loyal fan of Batt and will participate in the junior division competition. He also hopes to see his hero Ryley play for the "Steelers" in person. "I've watched him play at the National Championships, and I like his speed and the way he hits other people," Nixon said.

Mr. Nay said he believes it is time to raise the profile of the sport, especially the "Steelers," in Australia. "We often see our success achieved overseas; we win games in France, Finland, Denmark... then we come home and it's like no one cares or notices," he said. "We want to change that... that's the main motivation for bringing the Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge to Australia. The Australian Steelers are one of the most successful teams in Australian history, whether at the Paralympics or the Olympics, and they can finally play at home in Adelaide."

The event will bring together strong teams from Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Brazil, and the Netherlands. This will be a high-level wheelchair rugby feast, expected to attract many spectators and further promote the development of the sport in Australia.