BRILLIANT BEN IS SCOTS’ LAST ACTION HERO Late point against England seals bronze for nation at School Games
Ben Leitch was on top form at the School Games Perth wheelchair basketball talent Ben Leitch played a starring role as Scotland savoured success at the School Games National Finals.
The fifth year student at St John’s Academy helped his team record a dramatic win against England South to clinch a bronze medal.
Leitch (15), who is a member of Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club and Lothian Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball Club, scored the last point of the match at Loughborough University to wrap up the 58-56 triumph.
The School Games are an integrated multi-sport event for the UK’s most talented school-age athletes, with around 1,600 athletes competing across 12 sports, seven of which included disability disciplines.
“It was a very special event and was my second year of being selected for the under-19 squad,”Leitch told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“It wasn’t just a big achievement for me to win a medal, but also for Scotland. The atmosphere was incredible. To be part of that team was unbelievable.
“The game against England South was so close. If it wasn’t that close, I don’t think it would have been as enjoyable a moment.
“My team-mate David Beattie scored a lay-up to put us a point ahead. With 15 seconds left they had the chance to go back ahead but missed the shot.
“I got the ball and was fouled, so I went to the free-throw line and scored to give us a two-point lead.
“It was an incredible feeling when the ball went through the hoop. But I still didn’t know what was going to happen after that. They still could’ve won. It was crazy to be part of.”
There is plenty to be excited about moving forward for Leitch and he is already targeting a Commonwealth Games place in 2022.
He said:“I will keep working hard and putting in the effort to hopefully represent Scotland again. Playing for Team GB is a big aspiration.
“There is definitely a lot more work that I need to put in but I’m getting there.
“Wheelchair basketball is being introduced to the Commonwealth Games in 2022 so that will impact the pathway. My target is to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.
“It’s an indescribable feeling to play for Scotland and it is unbelievable when you are chosen to put the jersey on.”
Leitch was presented with the Disability Sports Person of theYear award at the 2016 Perth and Kinross Sports Awards.
Now he is using the experience and skills gained to pass on advice to the next generation.
He explained:“I get to use the gym and facilities at the school, and they are helpful with balancing my school and basketball.
“I’m currently coaching on a Monday after school with primary kids, to give them a taste of what basketball can offer.
“It’s a nice feeling to be part of that. There are a lot of talented young players coming through which is good to see.”