in 2004, a bronze in 2008 and another silver in 2012.
“I was in high school, just 18-years-old when I was
hurt and during rehab, Doug Grant, the executive
director of Wheelchair Sports came and told me about
Wheelchair Rugby,” said Funk, who still played with the
national team as an alternate for the 2016 Olympics in
Rio. “I started locally in 1993, and then got asked to try
out for the national team in 1994. In 1995, I played at my
first World Championship in Switzerland.
“After the Worlds in 1995 and 1996, I took a break and
met my wife in 2000, but got back to playing with Team
Canada in 2001. She was there with me for all three
Paralympics in 2004 in Athens, 2008 in Beijing and 2012
in London. After London, I decided to retire, my son
was born just after the London Olympics, and I decided I’d
stay at home and pay full attention to my family, but I got
back on the national team and was an alternate for Rio.”
For Funk, 42, who works full-time as a member of the
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Impact Team, he’s officially
retired from the national team program but he’s not done
with the game. He’s still playing with the 76ers and he loves
every minute of the time he spends with his teammates and
friends.
“I’m really having fun,” he said. “It’s just a great way to stay
in shape and still compete. I love the game, I want to play it
as long as I possibly can.” l
Game On Photographer James Carey Lauder has 35 years of photography experience.
He’s a member of the Professional Photographers of Canada and Manitoba
and is accredited in Sports Photography. He is currently in his 10th year as
Photography Instructor at Tec Voc High School.
sportslife / 35