The wheelchair basketball, basketball, and Paralympic sporting families are mourning the loss of IWBF Secretary General, Norbert Kucera, who passed away following a short illness at just 60 years old. A widely respected leader, his dedication and passion for the sport left an enduring legacy that touched the lives of players, officials, and administrators worldwide.
Across the globe, tributes have been pouring in, recognising his immense contributions. In a mark of respect, leagues across Europe, including Italy, Spain, Hungary, France and his native Germany, observed moments of silence in his honour. Many other countries and organisations paid tribute online, reflecting the profound impact he had on wheelchair basketball.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, paid tribute:
“Norbert was both beloved and respected among the FIBA family, and it's difficult to convey the deep sadness that overcame us upon hearing the news. His passionate, unwavering commitment to wheelchair basketball made a huge impact. His accomplishments during nearly four decades of service speak for themselves. On behalf of everyone at FIBA, I extend my deepest sympathies to Norbert's family, friends, and colleagues at IWBF.”
Former IPC and IWBF President Sir Philip Craven MBE and his wife, Jocelyne, reflected on his contributions:
“We are all so sad today on hearing the news of Norbert. He was and still is the engine room of IWBF and the whole wheelchair basketball community worldwide. Capable of tackling ten major tasks at once, he amazed my wife, Jocelyne, and me from a very early age as a highly competent referee and grew from there to become the friendly giant as Secretary General of IWBF.
For me, what set him apart from most other secretaries general of major international sports federations was his unwavering principle of FAIR PLAY. He garnered the greatest respect from the likes of Armand 'Tip' Thiboutot, who preceded Norbert as IWBF World Technical Officer, and Horst Strohkendl, the author of IWBF's Player Classification system. Always putting the players, officials, and classifiers at the centre of everything he did, he never succumbed to the corrupt offers that are, unfortunately, prevalent in many other major sports organizations.
He was a giant, and his legacy will always be there for others to learn from. Norbert, now you observe and lead us from another location, but you are firmly entrenched in our hearts and minds. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
From a players’ perspective, Canadian Paralympian and IWBF Players’ Commission Chair Erica Gavel shared her heartfelt thoughts:
“Four years ago, the IWBF decided to add and implement a Players’ Commission. When I was asked to be involved, I thought this was an opportunity to give back to a sport that has given me so much — it was also in the middle of a ‘classification disaster,’ so I felt the need to get involved and actually do something. What I didn’t know was that it would give me the chance to work closely with Norbert, which has truly been the greatest gift.
Working with Norbert taught me a lot about international sport and politics, professionalism, meeting preparation, communication, and, most importantly, reinforced the importance of integrity and caring about the people you are supposed to be leading. Norbert was an advocate for women in sport and genuinely wanted to see young people succeed. He encouraged you to stand up for yourself and the things you believed in. He also did everything he could to support you in meetings and was truly athlete centred. Norbert pushed the envelope in the evolution of our sport.
It is very difficult to describe the impact Norbert has had on my life, and I am going to miss him very much. Rest in peace, Norbert.”
IPC President Andrew Parsons also expressed his condolences:
“It is with profound sadness that we learn of Norbert’s passing, and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.
Norbert’s commitment to advancing and modernising IWBF and the sport of wheelchair basketball was immeasurable, and his significant. He was a popular member of the Paralympic community and will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.”
Renowned Paralympic leader Tony Sainsbury OBE acknowledged Norbert’s legacy:
“Norbert was everything an exceptional human being should be. He possessed all the qualities of that very English description – a gentleman! Yes, a gentle man, but not in the sense of weakness, rather of strength – possessing empathy, compassion, courtesy, selflessness, and passion for his love, our collective love: wheelchair basketball. I thank God that he let him fall asleep to rest in peace. The world is a poorer place with his passing.”
British Wheelchair Basketball CEO Justine Baynes shared:
“Norbert WAS wheelchair basketball. His passion and love for the sport shone through, and he dedicated a huge part of his life to it. He was incredibly kind to me when I joined BWB and has been an immense source of support, for which I will always be grateful. On behalf of everyone at BWB, I send our love and thoughts to his family and friends – we will all miss him.”
Chairman of the DRS Wheelchair Basketball Department, Christoph Küffner, said:
“We are shocked and saddened by the news of his early death. Norbert had a formative influence on the development of German wheelchair basketball during an important phase and was a role model for many with his commitment and love for our sport. We look back on this time with gratitude, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.”
The outpouring of tributes from across the sporting world underscores the profound impact Norbert Kucera had, not only on wheelchair basketball but on the entire sporting community. His dedication and leadership shaped the growth of the sport, and his absence will be deeply felt.
IWBF will announce memorial arrangements as soon as they become available.
