Terry Bywater is taking pride in his reduced role for ParalympicsGB as they beat Canada 88-58 in their second pool game. 

The Middlesbrough native is playing a smaller role for GB at his seventh Paralympic Games, and was on court for only 6 and a half minutes on Saturday. 

The 41-year-old was still able to have some fun, setting up Phil Pratt with an incredible pass for a three-pointer before making a pass round his back as ParalympicsGB won comfortably. 

“I take a lot of respect and pride in the fact that I am still here, and that the coaching staff still have faith in me,” Bywater said. 

“My role has changed completely and that is going to happen with age, and I’m just looking forward to the games ahead.  

“And they know if we’re in a quarter-final or a semi-final, or even a final, I’ll be ready. 

“I know my role has changed in the group, I am not going to be playing 40 minutes or a lot of minutes, but I am going to keep us as fresh as possible for the big games.  

“I am loving these Paralympics, Paris is doing a great job. Just look at the stadium, it was incredible.” 

Warburton was selected by his ParalympicsGB teammates to be one of two flagbearers for the Opening Ceremony in recognition of his contribution to Paralympic sport. 

The four-time bronze medallist made his debut at Sydney 2000 and has played every Games since as GB chase a first gold medal in the sport. 

They will next face the hosts France in the final pool game on Monday, and with all teams progressing to the crossovers, or knockout stages, every win counts. 

He added: “I can’t wait for that! The crowd when we were watching France against Canada, that was just incredible.  

“I have always loved that, I have always loved playing in front of a crowd. I think it is fantastic not only for Paralympic sport, but my sport wheelchair basketball. 

“I think France are going to come out fighting, we played against them over the summer and they are a very very good team offensively, can score a lot of points and are a dangerous team, especially with the crowd. 

“They are a strange team because they will hang around for a long time so it could be a 40-minute game, we’ll just have to be professional, we are not going to take it for granted, it is a big game, every one is for us.”

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