Austin Kentebe - Head Coach, Brixton Ballers, Wheelchair Basketball Club.

'Since Cameron received his new chair his game has improved immensely. He is training more, enjoying his game and in competition is much more focused. I think the chair represents more than a simple piece of equipment to him. He is now able to compete with other kids his age nationally for the coveted GB spot he has long yearned for and this chair will mean he is now taken more seriously.'

Camerons interview with Coach Ruth!!!

How the elite sports chair has helped in training and games?

'The chair has made me a faster player and helped with me improve my performance during games and training. Its also helped boost my confidence. I dont think I was playing to the best of my ability in the other chair but this chair has helped me in all areas of the game.'

How did you felt when you received the chair?

'When getting the chair I was so happy, Ive wanted one since I knew what an elite chair was and could do. I now feel like I can accomplish anything and can compete even more with the rest of the players. Having an elite chair at first was weird, it was so light going from a heavy chair to something so light made a real difference Ive been falling out! Which means I need to learn how to use it properly, Im actually still learning!!! But I would never go back I love it. '

What would you like to say to those who have sponsored, The Victoria Foundation for funding the elite sports chair and Tricia for making this happen

'Thank you so much for helping me I am so grateful it has made such a difference to me if it wasnt for Tricia, the supporters who donated and the Charity I would still be playing in my old chair. Thank you .'

If you would like to help more youngsters like Cameron reach their potential support The Victoria Foundation NOW. Please get in touch too if you know someone that needs help.

Make a donation at www.thevictoriafoundation.org.uk

Cameron O'Conner is a 15 year old, wheelchair basketball star. He plays for The Brixton Ballers and an U19s team called the London All Stars and is an amazingly talented young man. Cameron's passion and talent for wheelchair basketball has become evident and in December 2017 he was selected to attend the Mens GB Training Camp (This is a recognised pathway for talented players, who might be chosen to represent their country.) Cameron was three years younger than anyone else invited to attend.

Cameron plays his sport in a basic wheelchair, that not only has he outgrown but that does not give him the correct level of strapping and support. It is a heavy chair and is hard to push and he is hugely disadvantaged in a sport that requires remarkable speed and agility. The Victoria Foundation, a medical charity which provides support to those in great need, has awarded a grant of £1,600 towards an Elite Sports Wheelchair for Cameron and additional funding of £200 has been secured. This chair will transform how Cameron plays and will allow him to compete at the highest level, in the U19s league and within the National League. It will help him to develop his skill and agility and allow him to pursue his dream of being selected to play for his country.

Ian Laker, ex GB Player & ex GB National Womens Team coach and founder of London Titans (the largest and most successful club in Southern England)

Lorna Votier , The Victoria Foundation

Cameron contracted meningitis when he was just one and has had a very challenging time of it. He had his first leg amputated at the age of 8 and the other at 10. Despite his obvious limitations, he is hugely independent. He is often seen in his day chair, wheeling his sports chair across the Elephant and Castle precinct to get to the team's weekly training sessions, entirely on his own. He is a determined young man who will go far.

Austin Kentebe Head Coach of The London All Stars Wheelchair Basketball Club

Lorna Votier, The Victoria Foundation