Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, made the announcement on Friday at the Toronto Cup
OTTAWA, ONT. – The Government of Ontario announced an investment of $1.5 million to support the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, to be held in Ottawa, Ont., from Sept. 9-19. The funding will help Wheelchair Basketball Canada (WBC) deliver a world-class, inclusive event that showcases athletic excellence and the power of sport to unite and inspire.
Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, made the announcement on Friday, Feb. 13, during the Toronto Cup at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre.
“Ontario is proud to host the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball Championships – one of the premier inclusive sporting events in the world, and a true global showcase of athletic talent and competition,” said Lumsden. “We look forward to welcoming teams, fans and visitors from across the globe to see firsthand why Ontario is where the world comes to compete.”
Wendy Gittens, Wheelchair Basketball CEO, added, “We are grateful to the Province of Ontario for their leadership and investment in the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships. Their support not only brings a world-class sporting event to our communities, but strengthens our shared commitment to advancing inclusive sport and celebrating athletic excellence. This investment will fuel meaningful impact by growing access to sport, inspiring new participants and strengthening wheelchair basketball for future generations.”
The funding provided by the Government of Ontario will help advance the inclusive sport movement by redefining the hosting standards for para sport. Working hand in hand with our partners, venues and sponsors, the event will drive meaningful progress beyond the court by inspiring infrastructure updates, accessibility education and more. With over 100,000 spectators expected to attend the event over its 11-day run, Ottawa 2026 will help enhance Ontario’s international reputation as a premier host city for para sport.
In addition to generating $25 million in economic activity, Ottawa 2026 will leave a legacy that will inspire the next generation of athletes and advocates, both in Ontario and across Canada. Community programming and outreach that promotes accessibility, encourages youth engagement and fosters a culture of inclusivity will create opportunities for everyone to fall in love with wheelchair basketball.
The World Championships are an opportunity for Canadians to show their support for Team Canada in person as they begin their journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
“It is motivating to have the support of family, friends and so many fellow Canadians leading into Ottawa 2026,” said Lee Melymick, two-time Paralympian and Senior Men’s National Team member. “We’re excited to show off the incredible sport of wheelchair basketball to the Canadian crowd and thankful to partners like the Government of Ontario, whose support will allow us to experience this incredible event with the added energy of being on home soil.”
Twelve women’s teams will compete alongside 16 men’s teams in a mixed competition schedule that will ensure equal representation, visibility and prominence. Learn more about Ottawa 2026 here.
About Ottawa 2026
Wheelchair Basketball Canada will host the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in Ottawa, Ont., from Sept. 9-19, 2026, welcoming 336 athletes from 28 national teams — including 16 men’s and 12 women’s teams. Held every four years, the championships are the sport’s premier international event, showcasing elite competition and the global spirit of wheelchair basketball.