Spilka recognised with highest honour in British Wheelchair Basketball

British Wheelchair Basketball has announced that Steve Spilka has been awarded with The Richard Langhorn Trust Award for service to the sport.

The recipient of the organisation's highest honour was first introduced to the sport at the age of 35 after a serious accident at work, which saw him fall through a roof due to scaffolding being incorrectly set up.

His physio suggested that wheelchair basketball would be good for his rehabilitation but it soon developed into a lifelong passion.

He currently sits on the board of British Wheelchair Basketball and is regarded as one of the greatest drivers within the sport in the country today, responsible for the growth and success of wheelchair basketball across the UK.

Spilka is also chairman of the League sub-committee and continues to support his local club Hereward Heat.

"It is very overwhelming to have received this award and a tremendous honour," said Spilka.

"Wheelchair basketball is such a fantastic sport and has played such an important part of my life and I feel passionate about bringing the sport to as many people as possible.

Steve Spilka, left, has received British Wheelchair Basketball's highest honour ©British Wheelchair Basketball

"I have always tried to look beyond numbers, targets and participation statistics, to remember the people we help day in, day out, young and old, who get so much joy from playing wheelchair basketball.”

Charlie Bethel, CEO of British Wheelchair Basketball, added: “The Richard Langhorn Trust Award for service to wheelchair basketball could only have gone to one person this year.

"Steve was instrumental in the establishment of the British Wheelchair office, securing lottery funding for the men’s programme in 1997 and has shaped the modern governance of the sport.

"He has also served and modernised the International Federation using his knowledge, commitment and devotion to wheelchair basketball to inspire many.”

In the past year, Spilka has also received the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation's (IWBF) Gold Medal Triad award for his outstanding contribution to the growth of wheelchair basketball on an international level.