Brett Stibners' life took a dramatic turn in 2001 just three days after he was named in the Australian indoor hockey squad. The apprentice electrician lost his left leg in an accident after his vehicle collided with a truck on Picton Rd.For the young and talented sportsman the accident was a devastating blow, but in September this year Stibners' life came full circle.The 29-year-old from Oak Flats was a key part of the Australian Rollers team that won gold in the fiercely competitive wheelchair basketball competition at the Beijing Paralympics.At a ceremony at Shellharbour City Stadium - the home of the Illawarra Roller Hawks - yesterday Stibners was presented with the key to Shellharbour City.Roller Hawks secretary Betty Hassen told those gathered it took some encouragement from Roller Hawks stalwart Eino Okkonen to entice Stibners to the sport."Before my accident I'd never met anybody with any sort of disability - nobody," Stibners said. "When they said wheelchair basketball, I said 'I don't want to play a disabled sport because I'm not disabled', but once you watch a game you are blown away."It's exciting, aggressive, physical and people really appreciate the way they get in and have a try."Stibners started training with the Roller Hawks in 2002 and in his first year in 2003 was in the team that claimed the National Wheelchair Basketball League. Ms Hassen said Mr Okkonen's encouragement, Shellharbour council's support of the Roller Hawks and, most importantly, Brett's own determination all came together to give such a life-changing moment a happy ending."Brett is great learner, but also a great teacher ... he helps make everyone else a better player," Ms Hassen said.Council administrator David Jesson said Stibner was "a true ambassador for the city".Stibners said he was "overwhelmed" to receive the key to his home city, only the second to be given the honour since Shellharbour was gazetted a city in 1996. Lawn bowler Karen Murphy was the first after winning gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.