Saudis to train at EIS Sheffield

The Saudi Arabian wheelchair basketball squad has announced it is to hold a 10-day training camp at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield (EISS) at the end of August.

It will be the first time a paralympic squad has held a training camp in Sheffield and is to form part of the Saudis' preparation for the Gulf Championships in the autumn.

The Saudis are expected to play two matches, against a GB representative side and the Sheffield Steelers wheelchair basketball team.

Director of Olympic and Paralympic strategy for Sheffield, Wayne Coyle, said: “The visit of the Saudi Arabian wheelchair basketball squad offers a fantastic opportunity to pull together the infrastructure needed to provide international training camps on a regular basis ahead of the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012."

Paul Hudson, head coach of the Sheffield Steelers and vice chair of the GB Wheelchair Basketball Association, added: “I’ve been to Saudi Arabia twice now as part of the Saudi-British Sports Cooperation Programme so it will be great to welcome the Saudi players to Sheffield.

“This camp will cover everything from coaching, nutrition and psychology to a full social programme for the duration of the athletes’ stay in the city.”

Photograph: The English Institute of Sport, Sheffield will host the Saudi Arabian squad