Memorial planned for 'much-loved' Wheelchair Basketball legend Keith Batty.

by Ryan Smith

THE LEGACY of a ‘much-loved and generous’ Coventry wheelchair basketball legend will be honoured by the club he gave so much to this coming weekend on the 31st August. 

Keith Batty, who developed several Coventry youngsters into future Paralympians before personally reaching the pinnacle of the sport off the court, passed away suddenly, aged 61 back in March. 

Keith Batty

He was a stalwart of the Coventry Comets Wheelchair Basketball club (formerly CWBA). Coventry Comets are an inclusive wheelchair basketball club with teams in Division 1 and Division 3 of the National League, plus junior and Inspire League squads. They provide opportunities for all – from fun and friendship to high-level competition – with the chance to learn, improve, and play games.

Now, his former teammates have now arranged a memorial day in his honour with funds raised going towards helping the club and another charity close to Keith’s heart. 

Keith has been described by those who knew him as an intensely private man who loved watching sports with his family. He was a stalwart of the wheelchair basketball community for over 30 years. He only retired from playing at the end of last season due to a shoulder injury and a desire to indulge in his passion for cricket. Keith also contributed to the game as a top statistician, working at the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games a decade later. 

A club statement released following his passing said they had lost a much-loved colleague and would miss him dreadfully. 

Coventry Comets Chair Niki Cross said: “An intensely private man, Keith loved his garden. He gave generously of his time and expertise to everyone.  He was an expert in wheelchair basketball, a good player, and a great coach. He developed a deep knowledge of wheelchair building and maintenance. He kept the club financially healthy and contributed to the management committee. Outside basketball, he was a keen cricket fan who attended Rugby games with his family and, in his younger days, was also involved in top rowing competitions.”

The Keith Batty Memorial Day will take place at the club's home court, Woodlands Sports Complex on Broad Lane this Sunday, August 31. It will begin at midday and will feature two exhibition games featuring the Coventry Comets' first and second teams, most of whom have been personally helped by Keith in the past. 

Refreshments and hot food will be available and the Comets will also hold a tombola. 

Cash raised from the event will be split between the Coventry Comets and Whizz Kidz, the nation's leading charity for wheelchair users, which Keith also supported over the years.

Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/coventry-comets-whizz-kidz? to donate.