OTTAWA, ONT. – Wheelchair Basketball Week 2025 wrapped up successfully on Sept. 28, uniting communities across Canada in celebration of the sport’s inclusivity, athleticism and community spirit.
“The fourth annual Wheelchair Basketball Week featured an incredible 1,600 participants taking part in events nationwide—including more than 100 nursing students attending a Try it event at Carleton University,” said Sean Liebich, Director of Development at Wheelchair Basketball Canada. “The celebration continues to grow year after year, with more communities and more individuals discovering the sport.”
Highlights from Wheelchair Basketball Week 2025 included:
- Largest Wheelchair Basketball Week to date, with more than 1,600 people taking part in 55 events across 31 cities nationwide.
- Wheelchair Basketball Canada welcomed over 300 participants at events hosted at Algonquin College, Carleton University and Collège La Cité.
- Wheelchair Basketball Canada and Ottawa Tourism hosted a panel at the RA Centre, featuring Paralympians Lee Melymick and Tyler Miller, as well as Sam Graham of the Ottawa Carleton Wheelchair Sports Association. The event focused on preparing the hospitality industry and local community on how to host inclusive, accessible experiences for all.
- Throughout the week, WBC celebrated 30 community champions from coast to coast, recognizing individuals who help bring the sport to life.
- Partnerships were central to the success of Wheelchair Basketball Week 2025. Abilities Ottawa provided essential parasport education and equipment, while facilities nationwide opened their doors to support local clubs. Meanwhile, a research team from the University of Ottawa and Western University gathered valuable data to understand better the connection between awareness and participation in wheelchair basketball.
The momentum of Wheelchair Basketball Week builds toward the upcoming Ottawa 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, which will welcome the world’s best athletes to Nation’s Capital and further shine a spotlight on the sport.
About Wheelchair Basketball Week
Wheelchair Basketball Week is a week-long initiative that shines a spotlight on the incredible work being done by clubs, Provincial Sport Organizations and community members across the nation.