FERGUS – While three Paralympic gold medals highlight the career of a Fergus native in wheelchair basketball, there’s much more to the story for him.
Patrick Anderson, who grew up in Fergus, claims “retirement is a time to look back.” That being said, he’s excited to look ahead towards new endeavours in Fergus after wrapping up a decorated career in March.
Anderson has four Paralympic medals to his name and several championships as well as a 2003 League MVP in Europe.
Outside of any accolade, though, it was the relationships, the enduring friendships Anderson made along the way he says he holds dearly.
Anderson is partnering with Team Addy for their 3-on-3 tournament this summer to offer a wheelchair basketball division.
He says events like this one are huge in growing the game.
Beginning his career in the 1990’s, Anderson explained he came across many iterations, and inspirations, of players, coaches and administrators over the years.
Now, his focus shifts to becoming one of those leaders in the Centre Wellington community.
Anderson says the 3-on-3 tournament will serve as a precursor for people to come and “mess around” on the wheelchair basketball court, before the launch of an official wheelchair basketball program at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.
He made note of the fact that wheelchair basketball is inclusive of all, allowing those with disabilities to play, while also permitting those without any physical limitations a window into what its like for those who live with them.
Anderson says he understands the magnitude of bringing this opportunity to his hometown.
“Some things I learned and some things I had,” Anderson reminisced.
“A lot more of it I learned,” he added. “You check your notes, consult your memory, talk to other coaches. It is a bit of a learning curve,” Anderson concluded, as he looks forward to coaching young hopefuls.
Calling this opportunity an “exciting challenge,” he noted the growth of basketball in Centre Wellington through the efforts of Team Addy has been amazing to watch.
“It wasn’t too hard to say yes” to the idea of a new wheelchair basketball program in Fergus, Anderson explained, noting Andy Abra of the Centre Wellington Celtics approached him with the idea.
While the exact structure of the of Anderson’s soon-to-be program “remains to be seen,” one thing is for sure, this summer will hold the next step of the process.
The soft launch of the program will follow Anderson’s involvement in the fun day this summer.
Anderson says it’s “neat” to be partnering with Team Addy to raise money for SickKids, who helped care for him after the accident that left him in a wheelchair at nine years old.
Recognized with signs at the entrances of town, Anderson says he still feels very connected to the community.
Anderson went on to explain it’s hard work to make a career in wheelchair basketball. “It takes just as much effort, if not more,” he pointed out, referencing the travel demands to practice and compete in the sport.
When asked for any wise words to those looking to enter the sport, Anderson shared sentiments of having the right temperament to attack challenges throughout your career.
As he gears up to bring the game he loves to his hometown, Anderson reflected on his journey.
“A couple of my teammates in Paris, their parents were younger than me,” he joked.
“It was a great place to grow up,” said Anderson about Fergus. Making new connections, he says, will be the nice thing about this new program, and very “cool and unique” opportunity.
The goal? To provide an opportunity for all, said Anderson – and to do so in Fergus feels fitting for the accomplished athlete.
After all, “it still feels like home.”
