A Man Bigger Than Life

While I am sad beyond words known to me, and cannot find the words to describe the feeling, I feel blessed and privileged that my life, like many others, has been touched by one of the greatest souls.

Leroy Dobson was a servant of humanity, equality and love and wheelchair basketball. He passed away on 9th June, alone, from a blood clot in his heart.

Leroy passed away, only to remind us the memories, the lessons and the values he presented with his life to thousands of others and the positive attitude and the love he did spread wherever he has been.

Leroy was a caring friend, loving father, kind human and passionate wheelchair basketball player whose message was love wherever he was and whatever he did.

He was the gentlest and kindest person ever known in wheelchair basketball world, who taught people others, concepts beyond any other coach can ever do.

He was the symbol of what the real wheelchair basketball stood for, he was not after power, or qualifications to make money from the game, he was not rewarded by the Queen or country or fame, or fortune and he never got the recognition he deserved while he was alive. I hope he, his countless contributions and achievements would be recognised now, at least in our hearts and memories. I hope it would be recognised how the meaning, culture, dimensions and colours of the game were changed to become most inclusive and beautiful despite all the barriers, because of Leroys of our world.

We shall remember him with love and carry on all the memories, as he shall be alive and with us, so long as his lessons, love and memories live with us.

There will be an event on 7th July at Space Leisure Centre Shoreditch, to celebrate his life and achievements, share memories, play the game he loved and pay our respects.

Please help to raise some money to help his family and burial.