Ontario took bronze in women’s division, while Quebec finished third in the men’s division
(RICHMOND, B.C.) – Quebec captured its fourth consecutive national title with a thrilling 61-58 victory over host British Columbia in the women’s gold medal game on Sunday afternoon at the 2026 National Championships at the Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond, B.C.
Cindy Ouellet paced Quebec with a game-high 24 points and eight rebounds, while Élodie Tessier added 14 points and three rebounds. Meriam Fassi-Fehri also made a strong contribution with 12 points and seven rebounds as Quebec held off a push from British Columbia to secure the championship victory.
“It’s really good – defending champions for a few years now,” said Ouellet. “It was a close one. Really good fight from B.C. It was just a good game and that’s what we want in the final.
“We stuck to our plan, played on chairs and played as a team.”
Sunday’s result marked British Columbia’s first loss of the tournament, while Quebec successfully defended its national title after also defeating B.C. 68-42 in the gold medal game at the 2025 National Championships at Durham College in Oshawa, Ont.
Earlier in the day, Ontario secured the women’s bronze medal with a 62-31 victory over the Rest of Canada.
On the men’s side, Ontario captured a second straight national title with an 80-65 victory over Alberta in the gold medal game on Sunday.
Ibrahim Odza delivered a game-high 33 points and 12 assists, while Jesse McNalley recorded a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds to help Ontario secure back-to-back National Championships.
“It feels great. Alberta gave us a real run for our money – we weren’t used to those tight games this tournament,” said Jesse McNalley. “They really shot well, played well and it was a tough game, tough battle, especially in foul trouble.”
With the victory, Ontario completed a perfect 5-0 run at the 2026 National Championships. Sunday’s gold medal matchup was also a rematch of the 2025 final, where Ontario narrowly defeated Alberta 63-60 to claim the national title.
“The team is incredible. We play so well together,” McNalley added. “Good friends. I think that’s what really helps. We enjoy being around each other.”
Quebec earned the men’s bronze medal with a 57-42 win over British Columbia.
MVP and All-Stars
Women
MVP – Elise Frose (BC)
All-Star – Puisand Lai (ON)
All-Star – Shelby Engstrom (ROC)
All-Star – Cindy Ouellet (QC)
All-Star – Mercy Nyakundi (ON)
All-Star – Lannette Boland (BC)
Men
MVP – Nik Goncin (AB)
All-Star – Garrett Ostepchuk (SK)
All-Star – Bo Hedges (BC)
All-Star – Jesse McNalley (ON)
All-Star – Lionel Tamoki (QC)
All-Star – Lee Melymick (ON)
Full schedule and results from the 2026 National Championships can be found here.
About the 2026 National Championships
The 2026 National Championships bring together Canada’s top wheelchair basketball athletes for a true best-on-best showdown in both men’s and women’s divisions. Hosted at the Richmond Olympic Oval, as part of the inaugural OneAbility Games, the three-day tournament celebrates the highest level of domestic competition while showcasing the continued growth and momentum of wheelchair basketball across the country.