16/03/2004
Trio out of Arena clash

Leicester Riders head to the Hallam FM Arena on Thursday to take on the title-chasing Westfield Sharks Sheffield with two players sidelined through injury and illness.

But the Sharks will also be short-handed after Lynard Stewart chose not to appeal against the one-game ban dished out to him following his ejection from the Sharks 80-67 defeat to Brighton Bears last month.

Riders will be without guards Jonathan Holmes and Bryan Balser for both of this week's games, including the home contest against BBL Trophy champions TCS Chester Jets on Saturday.

Holmes is on the road to recovery from the ankle injury he sustained in the 91-76 victory over Birmingham, whilst Balser - a sufferer from the inflammatory bowel disease, Chron's disease - is likely to be out for a minimum of two more weeks after flare-up of the condition which wiped out half of his season with the London Towers a few years ago.

"The swelling has gone down on Jonathan's ankle and he's been in the gym riding a bike, but this week's games are too soon for him," explained Coach Karl Brown. "Bryan's had his system washed out and will go back for a check-up in two weeks. He's hopeful of coming back then, but we'll see how it goes."

08/03/2004
No break for Holmes

X-rays have revealed no broken bones in the ankle that Jonathan Holmes damaged late in the first quarter of Riders 91-76 victory on Sunday evening.

Holmes was carried from the court with 39.5s left in the opening period with fears he may have broken his ankle, but it has been revealed to be a severe sprain.

"Fortunately there's no break," said Coach Karl Brown. "It's swollen up so for the minute it's plenty of rest and ice. He'll get some physio on it and we haven't got a game for 10 days so there is no great rush, we'll see how it goes."

Holmes said he just "landed awkwardly" after scoring a basket in sustaining the injury.

02/03/2004
Riders backing 'Right to Read'

Leicester Riders have become the latest sports club to sign up to 'Right to Read' to help young children to read more.

As part of the city's education drive to improve reading standards, Leicester City Council, in conjunction with all the city's key sporting clubs - Leicester Football Club, Leicester Tigers, Leicester Riders, Leics County Cricket Club and Leicester Hockey Club, have agreed to sign up to 'Right to Read'.

'Right to Read', the Leicester Mercury-backed campaign, seeks to recruit employee volunteers from business and public sector organisations and nearly 2000 volunteers have partnered children for one-to-one reading in over 100 city and county schools.

Steve Humphries, Cultural Services, Leicester City Council, said: "We are delighted that as part of the '2004 European Year of Education Through Sport' programme, Leicester Riders Basketball Club, and our other major sporting organisations, are putting their weight behind the 'Right to Read' scheme.

"Sport has a mass following and appeal in Leicester, and is now recognised for making a contribution to a range of local issues, including raising attainment and achievement. There is no doubt this united sporting clubs approach will have a positive impact on the drive to raise reading levels in local schools, and inspire young people to read more."

Riders have signed up volunteers from their workforce, who are going to partner children at Caldecote Primary School, as part of their contribution to the 'European Year of Education through Sport'. These volunteers will take part in the 'Right to Read' training prior to starting the programme at the school.

Kate Crane, Riders' Operations Manager, said: "The club is delighted to sign up for the 'Right to Read' scheme, which encourages young people to pick up a book and read.

"Staff have signed up to visit Caldecote Primary School and are really looking forward to meeting and helping the children. We hope Riders' staff can motivate young people to read more and show how sport and education can really work well together."

Riders' Coach, Karl Brown added: "We are delighted the club are making another positive contribution to community life. This scheme is all about being able to read and succeed. Reading can be great fun and it is fantastic that the club has become involved in the 'Right to Read' scheme. I know that staff at the club are really looking forward to getting involved."