Extreme sport: challenging the myths of disability
The Oscar-nominated film 'Murderball', about the clash between Canadian and American Paralympic wheelchair rugby teams, is to be shown at Leeds on 6 March 2012.
The film will be shown as part of an event organised by the Centre for Canadian Studies: "Extreme sport: challenging the myths of disability through the international screen". The event aims to promote awareness of the social complexities of impairmant.
'Murderball' (2005) has been called 'quite simply the best film ever made on disability'. A hard-hitting sports documentary about the clash between the Canadian and the American Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Teams, 'Murderball' offers an up-close look at the 2004 Wheelchair Rugby tournament, as well as the personal stories of the athletes who are passionate, driven, and determined to win -- as one of them says, "I'm not here for a hug, I'm here for a medal."
After the film, experts in Canadian film, disability issues, the Paralympics, and rehabilitative health care will lead a debate, bringing together perspectives from students, academic staff and members of the wider community. This will then be followed by an informal reception.
The event will take place:
On: Tuesday 6 March 2012
At: 6.00-8.30pm
In: Western Lecture Theatre, Leeds University Business School
For more information, email Christine Chettle.
The University of Leeds will welcome the Canadian Wheelchair Rugby Paralympic Team in April and August 2012 to complete preparations for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
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