It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of a wheelchair basketball great, Ron Coppenrath, who passed away in his sleep on the morning of Thursday 8th June.
Ron was a valued member of the wheelchair basketball world for many years. An IWBF Gold Triad Awardee, Ron volunteered years of dedication and work to wheelchair basketball both nationally and internationally.
Internationally Ron had been an active Secretary General of IWBF Europe where he was part of the organisation of a number of European Championships and European Cup tournaments. He was also an influential figure on the world stage as a member of the IWBF Executive Committee. Ron took on the role as Chairman of the Competitions Committee for 12 years between 2002 -2014, leading on the administration of World Championships and the Paralympic Games wheelchair basketball competition. On a national level, he was instrumental in his own club as well as a representative of wheelchair basketball at the NBB General Assembly.
IWBF President, Ulf Mehrens, said “Ron’s impact on the improvement and development of wheelchair basketball across the world is unmeasurable and he will be sorely missed by everyone in the sport. He was a true gentleman and friend to all that knew him. Ron dedicated his life to the sport in a quiet and unassuming manner and we are deeply saddened by his passing. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Our sincere condolences go to Ron’s family, friends and everyone in our wheelchair basketball community; Ron will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
