The class will be formally inducted during official ceremonies in spring 2026

OTTAWA, ONT. – Wheelchair Basketball Canada is pleased to announce that Jamie Borisoff, Jennifer Krempien, Dean MacKinnon, Gary McPherson and Roy Sherman, along with the 1980s Alberta Northern Lights and the 2025 3×3 World Championship teams, will be inducted into the Wheelchair Basketball Canada Hall of Fame.

The 1980s Alberta Northern Lights, McPherson and Sherman will be inducted during a ceremony at the 2026 CWBL Finals. Borisoff, Krempien, MacKinnon and the 2025 IWBF 3×3 Open World Championship teams will be honoured at the 2026 National Championships.

“Congratulations to our five remarkable individuals and two outstanding teams, whose decades of excellence have helped elevate our sport and strengthen wheelchair basketball across Canada,” said Wendy Gittens, CEO of Wheelchair Basketball Canada. “Their achievements at home and on the world stage speak for themselves, but their influence extends far beyond the scoreboard. Each of them has been a true champion for the growth and evolution of our sport, helping shape a brighter future for the game.”

1980s Alberta Northern Lights

The Alberta Northern Lights emerged as one of the world’s most recognized wheelchair basketball programs in the 1980s, consistently ranking among the top teams in North America and helping establish major competitions like the Challenge Cup. They developed strong men’s and women’s programs in Edmonton and Red Deer, producing numerous National Team athletes and contributing to one of the most successful women’s programs in history. During this era, Alberta Northern Lights players formed the core of Alberta’s multiple national championship–winning teams and helped launch community outreach programs that still run today, as well as junior camps and city leagues. Approaching their 50th anniversary, the Alberta Northern Lights remain an elite organization delivering high-quality programming.

Jamie Borisoff

A two-time gold medallist (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004) and a silver medallist (Beijing 2008), Borisoff was a key member of the Senior Men’s National Team at four Paralympic Games. He helped Canada capture World Championship gold in 2006 (Amsterdam) and two world bronze medals (Sydney 1998, Kitakyushu 2002) and earned a spot on the World All-Star Five at the 1998 World Championships. Domestically, he dominated the national scene with Team BC winning eight Canadian titles, 11 Nationals All-Star selections and five CWBL championships with Douglas College, along with an NWBA Division 1 title with the BC Cable Cars. Known for his immediate impact, Borisoff logged the most minutes for Canada at his first Paralympic Games (Atlanta 1996) and remained a key member of the program throughout his career. For his accomplishments with the National Team, Borisoff was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

Jennifer Krempien

Krempien competed at an elite level for 16 years, earning three Paralympic gold medals (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000), one bronze (Athens 2004) and four World Championship titles (Stoke Mandeville 1994, Sydney 1998, Kitakyushu 2002, Amsterdam 2006) and was widely regarded as one of the best Class 1.0 players in the world. Known for her work ethic, composure, and team-first mindset, she led by example and brought out the best in those around her. Teammates highlight Krempien’s consistency, leadership, and unwavering support—both on and off the court—as key factors in Team Canada’s sustained success. In 2013, Krempien was inducted into the Canadian Paralympic Hall of Fame for her accomplishments at the Paralympic Games.

Dean MacKinnon

MacKinnon has dedicated decades to both stand-up and wheelchair basketball, building an extraordinary officiating career. Beginning as a high school graduate recommended to the Vancouver and District Basketball Officials Association, he quickly rose through the ranks—officiating provincial championships, Canada Games gold-medal finals, university playoffs and national tournaments. He became a foundational figure in wheelchair basketball officiating in B.C. in the 1970s, earning international certification and working major events across Canada and the U.S. As Head Allocator in B.C., he has been instrumental in recruiting, mentoring and developing new officials for generations. His leadership has extended to board roles with BC Wheelchair Sports and the Vancouver and District Basketball Officials Association, and his contributions have been recognized through multiple “Official of the Year” honours and the national J.A. “Wink” Willox Award.

Gary McPherson

McPherson (1946-2010) was widely respected for dedicating more than three decades to blending his volunteerism, academic expertise and professional commitment to advancing sport, particularly for athletes with disabilities. His leadership spanned coaching, administration and team support at both the provincial and national levels, including major contributions to Canadian wheelchair sports and the Alberta Northern Lights. Known for his compassion, integrity and tireless service, Gary earned deep admiration from athletes and sport leaders alike. His influence extended beyond sport, embodying a model of social responsibility and community leadership.

Roy Sherman

From 1979 to 1991, Sherman established himself as one of Canada’s most dominant wheelchair basketball players. Within three years of entering the sport, he made the National Team and helped Canada earn a silver medal at the 1986 World Championships (Melbourne). Throughout the 1980s, Sherman was integral to the success of the Alberta Northern Lights—one of North America’s top teams—leading in key statistical categories and driving Alberta to multiple national titles while earning MVP honours. A generational athlete, his size, rebounding and presence in the key reshaped Canada’s style of play to the point that NWBA opponents routinely double-teamed him despite his 3.5 classification. Even after retiring in the early 90s, he remains one of Canada’s all-time greats.

2025 IWBF 3×3 Open World Championship Teams

Canada’s Men’s and Women’s 3×3 Teams won gold at the inaugural IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships in Sun City, South Africa, with both squads defeating Spain in their respective finals. The women completed an undefeated run, led by tournament MVP Kady Dandeneau and All-Star Élodie Tessier, while the men rallied past Spain, led by MVP Colin Higgins. The victories mark a historic moment for Canada in the first-ever 3×3 wheelchair basketball world championship, building on the teams’ previous success at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

For a complete list of previous Hall of Fame inductees, visit wheelchairbasketball.ca.