Richard Peter, Wheelchair Basketball
2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Medallist
1992 and 1993 BC Winter Games
Richard was born in Duncan, BC, and a proud member of the Cowichan Tribes. Also known as Bear, Richard suffered a spinal cord injury after a bus accident when he was four years old. Throughout the many challenges that he faced, his family and community were always there to support him.
He had an interest in sports but he wasn’t introduced to wheelchair basketball until a touring team came to his school when he was 15 years old. He played in a scrimmage with the team in front of the whole school and his talent caught their attention. Shortly after, he was invited to train with them in Victoria.
Richard participated in the 1992 and 1993 BC Winter Games, and just a year later debuted on the national team. He helped Canada bring home three gold’s during the 2000, 2004, and 2012 Paralympic Games. At the Beijing 2008 Games they won a silver medal. Richard has also won the world championship title in 2006, and led Team BC to the national championship six times. He also played professionally in Germany for club RSV Lahn-Dill.
He has received the Tom Longboat National Award for Aboriginal Male Athlete of the Year, Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s Male Athlete of the Year, National Aboriginal Achievement Award, and has been inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame. Known for his dedication, focus and sportsmanship on the court, Richard is an ambassador for the sport and a mentor to young players off the court as well.
See Richard's full bio on Wheelchair Basketball Canada's website and at Paralympic.ca.
Photo Credit: Wheelchair Basketball Canada