President of IWBF Europe Walter Pfaller proud of European teams performances so far.

President of IWBF Europe, Walter Pfaller, has visited both the Carioca Arena 1 and Rio Olympic Arena to support the countries representing the European zone.

Walter Pfaller, a former player for the Austrian national team, as well as an Austrian champion a number of times as player and coach of the RSV Salzburg. He is here as part of the Austrian Paralympic Committee but has made time to come and take in some of the wheelchair basketball taking place.

President of IWBF Europe, Walter Pfaller, said “It’s great to have a good representation of European teams here at Rio 2016. Of course we can only send five teams in the men’s but I’m hoping that we can get 5 in the top eight and at least one medal.

“I think it’s a great reflection on the depth and setup of the European leagues and competitions such as Champions Cup, Euro League. It helps to develop the national team players playing at a highest competitive level.

“In the Women’s competition both Germany and The Netherlands won a medal in London 2012, I hope we can simulate this as well.

“Being here has been good, it has been well run despite all the bad news stories that followed the Olympics I have not found this. I was here for the Olympics also and the crowds and supporters for the Paralympics have been far greater, not just for the basketball but all the other sporting events such as swimming and cycling.

“I have been to watch the basketball every day and the standard of basketball played has been extremely impressive and professional, it just gets better and better.”