GB Men’s Maxibasketball resumed their preparation for the FIMBA Ticino 2025 World Championship last weekend in Nottingham, with all age group squads coming together as usual for a full weekend of training.
In addition to team play and learning sessions, this combined camp also focused on the medical and physical screening of all players. This protocol provides our SSEM (sports science, exercise & movement) team with a baseline understanding of each squad member’s health and physical fitness levels. This is a fundamental part of our national program which seeks to support all players at our camps and to safeguard against player injury or illness at major championships. Here’s a little insight into some of the SSEM team who were at the combine last weekend.
DR. MARK DAYSON is Head of Performance Support, and lead physiotherapist for the GB Maxibasketball programme and joined us in 2021 ahead of the European Championship 2022 (Malaga). As a physio, Mark has previously supported England and GB Basketball junior national teams, and has over 10 years experience at FIBA European Championships.
Dr. ELTON CHAWATAMA is a GP Registrar in North London and is the newest member of our SSEM team, having joined us late in 2024. He is a basketball enthusiast, passionate about sports and exercise medicine and holds a diploma in Lifestyle Medicine and a Master’s in Sports Medicine, Exercise & Health. His academic research focuses on elite British basketball players’ mental health and well-being, which he has presented at national and international conferences. We are delighted that he took a break from his desk last weekend to help with the physical assessments at our camp.
MICHELLE ORTEGA is our lead Strength & Conditioning Coach from Loughborough and has been with our programme since 2021. She has supported us at the FIMBA European Championship 2022, FIMBA World Championship 2023 (Argentina) and most recently the European Championship 2024 (Pesaro). She is very knowledgeable in her field, but still keen to learn. Michelle brings a high level of energy to camps, as well as a big smile. She is passionate about supporting all players to be the best version of themselves.
GAIL WHITE is a Sports Therapist and also sports trauma management qualified. She has been with us for almost two years, and supported our teams out in Pesaro. Gail is also a qualified table official and can be regularly seen officiating at national league games. Quietly efficient and effective in her manner, we look forward to having Gail with us in Ticino.
ROLANDAS MIZGERIS loves basketball and supports the GB Maxis’ programme as Sports Therapist. He is qualified with an MSc in Osteopathy, as well as a BSc in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation. This is Rolandas’ second season with us, and as well as attending our weekend camps, he is looking forward to joining the SSEM team out in Switzerland.
Not at camp, but also part of our valued SSEM team is ELSA MAN from London. Elsa is a senior physiotherapists and experienced in supporting sports events and teams at participation and performance events. Elsa’s first major event with us was the European Championship 2024, and she has most recently travelled with GB Maxis players to the Murcia International Masters 2024.
Thanks to all our staff…you are very much appreciated. 
