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Team Ontario are National Champions!
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Team Ontario are national champions! 🏆
Ontario captured gold at the 2026 Junior National Championship in Quebec City this past weekend (June 7, 2026), defeating British Columbia 84-58 in the championship final after an undefeated tournament run. After leading 39-32 at halftime, Ontario held off a third-quarter push from B.C. before pulling away in the fourth quarter to secure the national title.
Ontario finished pool play with a perfect 3-0 record, including a 60-36 win over Alberta, before dominating host Quebec 97-44 in the semifinal to advance to the gold medal game.
The championship marks a major step forward for the Ontario program after finishing eighth at the 2022 Junior National Championship and seventh at the 2023 Canada Games. The team’s growth and depth were on full display throughout the tournament, with athletes stepping up in every game.
Nasif Chowdhury was named tournament MVP following an outstanding weekend, while Ontario’s Ibrahim Odza also earned All-Star honours.
Final Standings:
1️⃣ Ontario
2️⃣ British Columbia
3️⃣ Quebec
Congratulations to all Ontario athletes, coaches, staff, and supporters on an incredible achievement and a well-earned national championship! 👏🏀
Team Canada Announces Roster for the 2026 Canada Cup
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Wheelchair Rugby Canada has officially announced the roster for the 2026 Canada Cup, taking place June 4–7, 2026, at the Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond, British Columbia.
Hosted by BC Wheelchair Sports, the Canada Cup has been held biennially since 2004 and is recognized as one of the premier wheelchair rugby tournaments outside of the Paralympic Games and World Championships.
Team Canada Roster
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- #9 Cody Caldwell – Peterborough, ON
- #31 Matt Debly – Windsor, ON
- #43 Maxime Drolet-Gauthier – Montréal, QC
- #7 Byron Green – Victoria, BC
- #32 Jean-François Huneault – Saint-Eustache, QC
- #44 Reese Ketler – Winnipeg, MB
- #21 Anthony Létourneau – Boisbriand, QC
- #3 Austin MacLellan – Fredericton, NB
- #2 Travis Murao – Toronto, ON
- #55 Yanick Racicot – Montréal, QC
- #41 Eric Rodrigues – Mississauga, ON
- #15 Patrice Simard – Québec City, QC
Ontario will be well represented with Cody Caldwell, Matt Debly, Travis Murao, and Eric Rodrigues all wearing the maple leaf on home soil.
Canada will face off against Japan, Australia, France, Great Britain, and Brazil throughout the tournament as they continue preparing for the 2026 World Championships in Brazil later this summer.
Team Canada Schedule
Thursday, June 4
- vs. Australia – 11:00 a.m. PST
- vs. Japan – 5:00 p.m. PST
Friday, June 5
- vs. France – 11:00 a.m. PST
- vs. Great Britain – 5:00 p.m. PST
Saturday, June 6
- vs. Brazil – 2:00 p.m. PST
Placement matches will take place on Sunday, June 7.
Tickets for the event are now available, with children 12 and under receiving free admission. Volunteers are also being recruited to help make the tournament a success.
ONPARA would like to wish Team Canada and all Ontario athletes the very best as they compete against some of the top wheelchair rugby nations in the world!
For more information, visit Wheelchair Rugby Canada
Team Ontario Shines at National Championships Weekend
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It was a busy and exciting weekend for adaptive sport across Canada, with Team Ontario athletes delivering outstanding performances at both the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby National Championships and the 2026 Wheelchair Basketball National Championships.
Ontario Dominates at Wheelchair Rugby Nationals
Hosted May 14–17, 2026 at Carleton University in Ottawa, the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby National Championships brought together the country’s top teams for four days of high-level competition.
Ontario teams had an incredible showing across both divisions:
Division 1
🥇 Ontario Thunder — Gold Medalists
Division 2
🥇 Ontario Lightning — Gold Medalists
🥉 Ontario Storm — Bronze Medalists
Ontario’s strong results highlighted the depth and continued growth of wheelchair rugby throughout the province. Congratulations to all athletes, coaches, officials, classifiers, volunteers, and
organizers who helped make the championship weekend such a success
Team Ontario Reaches the Podium at Wheelchair Basketball Nationals
Meanwhile, Team Ontario athletes were also competing at the 2026 National Championships in wheelchair basketball, hosted at the Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond, British Columbia as part of the inaugural OneAbility Games.
Ontario’s women’s team earned a bronze medal after a commanding 62-31 victory over the Rest of Canada.
🥉 Ontario Women — Bronze Medalists
Ontario’s men’s team captured back-to-back national titles with an impressive 80-65 victory over Alberta in the gold medal game, completing a perfect 5-0 tournament run.
🥇 Ontario Men — National Champions
Standout performances included:
- Ibrahim Odza with 33 points and 12 assists in the championship final
- Jesse McNalley recording 20 points and 13 rebounds
Several Ontario athletes were also recognized as tournament All-Stars:
Women’s All-Stars
⭐ Puisand Lai
⭐ Mercy Nyakundi
Men’s All-Stars
⭐ Jesse McNalley
⭐ Lee Melymick
Introducing Victory Vault Sweepstakes!
Leave a CommentSupporting Para Athletes Across Ontario
Ontario Para Network (ONPARA) is proud to partner with Victory Vault to launch the Victory Vault Sweepstakes — an exciting new initiative designed to support amateur para athletes across the province.
Through this partnership, Ontarians have the chance to win thousands in cash prizes, while directly supporting ONPARA programs and helping reduce financial barriers for athletes in our community. With weekly draws and ongoing opportunities to give back, Victory Vault offers a new way to make a meaningful impact through sport.
Rising Costs, Falling Participation
The rising cost of sport continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing athletes and families today.
According to the 2024 Jumpstart State of Play Youth Report, 47% of youth say cost is the number-one reason they don’t participate in sport—making affordability the single biggest barrier to play across Canada. Families report spending hundreds to thousands of dollars annually per child, with costs continuing to climb, particularly in competitive programs.
For para athletes, these financial barriers can be even greater, making access to sport more challenging without additional support.
Supporting Our Cause
Funds raised through Victory Vault will directly support ONPARA’s work to expand access to sport for individuals with disabilities across Ontario.
Through programs in wheelchair basketball, rugby, and tennis, ONPARA provides opportunities for children, youth, and adults to participate, develop skills, and compete in inclusive, supportive environments.
Proceeds will help reduce barriers to participation by supporting equipment, program delivery, and community outreach, while also strengthening pathways for athletes at all levels. By investing in accessible sport, we are building healthier communities, fostering independence, and empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential.
Creating More Accessible Opportunities
Victory Vault’s mission is to ease the financial burden of amateur sport in Ontario by providing provincial sport organizations and their clubs with a sustainable source of funding. Through ONPARA’s involvement, funds raised will directly support programs and opportunities that help athletes of all abilities stay active and engaged in sport.
Together, we are working to build a more inclusive and accessible sport system across Ontario.
How It Works
Each week, participants can purchase tickets for a chance to win cash prizes. When entering, individuals can choose to support the Ontario Para Network—ensuring that every ticket contributes to the growth of para sport in our province.
Every ticket purchased helps create more opportunities for athletes and strengthens the para sport community across Ontario.
Get Involved
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit:
👉 www.victoryvault.ca
About Victory Vault
Victory Vault Sweepstakes is administered by Ascend Fundraising Solutions and is a joint initiative with participating Ontario sport organizations across the province.
About Ascend Fundraising Solutions
Ascend Fundraising Solutions is a global leader in digital fundraising, having helped raise over $2 billion through its innovative platform. Trusted by more than 800 charitable organizations worldwide, Ascend powers everything from professional sports 50/50 draws to community-based fundraising initiatives.
Niagara Wheelchair Squash is Here!
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Ready to take your game to the court? Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or looking to try something new, check out our Niagara Wheelchair Squash Program.
Niagara Wheelchair Squash is building an inclusive ecosystem where players of all abilities can develop their skills, stay active, and join a growing community.
📅 The Details
Their 20-week program began in January and runs through May 31st, 2026. Join them at two world-class facilities:
- Sundays (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Ridley College
- Thursdays (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM): White Oaks Resort
🏆 Why Join?
- Expert Coaching: Gain weekly skill development with professional club coaches.
- Play Your Way: Engage in recreational matches or step up to competitive play.
- Exclusive Offer: The FIRST EIGHT (8) registrants receive FREE ACCESS to the program!
📧 How to Register
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the first eight! *Spots still available
* Contact their team today for more information or to secure your spot:
- Dave Forgeron (Ridley College): dave_forgeron@ridleycollege.com
- Matt Easingwood (White Oaks): measingwood@whiteoaksresort.com
Let’s get on the court and grow the game together! 🧡
OTA Wheelchair Championships
Leave a CommentRegistration is now open for the Headwaters Wheelchair Tennis Tournament, hosted by the Ontario Tennis Association.
Taking place on August 30 at Headwaters Racquet Club, this one-day event will bring together athletes for an exciting day of competition and connection.
Key Dates:
- Registration Opens: March 25
- Registration Closes: August 18
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Withdrawal deadline:
Participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spot.
Volunteers Needed – GLC Wheelchair Basketball Tournament 🏀♿
Leave a CommentWe are looking for volunteers to support the GLC Wheelchair Basketball Tournament taking place April 11–12. Volunteers play an important role in helping the event run smoothly and creating a great experience for athletes and spectators.
Whether you can help for a few hours or for a full day, we would love to have you join us!
Tournament Schedule
Saturday, April 11
7:45 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, April 12
7:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Volunteer Roles
Volunteers will be rotated throughout the day and may assist with a variety of tasks, including:
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Court support
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Scorekeeping
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Athlete assistance
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Event setup and takedown
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General event support
No experience is required. Instructions will be provided on-site.
Your support helps make events like this possible — thank you for being part of the wheelchair basketball community!
If you have any questions, please contact Zoe Hahn at events@onpara.ca
Sign Up
🎾 Wheelchair Tennis in London – Try It This Spring! ♿
Leave a CommentThe City of London, in partnership with Ontario Para Network, Tennis Canada, and the Ontario Tennis Association, is excited to offer wheelchair tennis programming this spring in London.
Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to get back on court, this program offers a welcoming and supportive environment for players of all abilities.
Try It First – FREE Have-a-Go Session
Interested in giving wheelchair tennis a try?
Join us for a FREE introductory “Have-a-Go” session on Monday, April 6. This session is a great opportunity to learn the basics, meet the coaches, and see if the sport is right for you before registering for the spring program.
Sports wheelchairs will be available for participants who need one.
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/y2dpy42h
Weekly Wheelchair Tennis Program
📍 Location: North London Optimist Community Centre
⏰ Time: 7:35 PM – 8:35 PM
Participants who enjoy the Have-a-Go session can continue playing in our 5-week spring program blocks.
Spring Block 1
📅 Mondays, April 13 – May 11
💲 $41.50 + tax
🗓 Registration deadline: April 8
🔗 Register here:
https://tinyurl.com/22efnpzc
Spring Block 2
📅 Mondays, May 25 – June 22
💲 $41.50 + tax
🗓 Registration deadline: May 18
🔗 Register here:
https://tinyurl.com/mwa2xtd2
Who Can Participate?
This program is open to new and experienced wheelchair tennis players. Adaptive sports wheelchairs are available if participants do not have their own.
Come out, try something new, and experience the excitement of wheelchair tennis this spring!
Program age is set to 13+ – if interested participants are younger than 13, please contact Lisa Myers at wheelchairdev@tenniscanada.com to discuss potential programming options.
Are registration fees a financial barrier to participation? See the subsidy program “Play Your Way Fund” offered by the City of London for support – https://london.ca/living-london/recreation/play-your-way-fund
In Memory of Paul Bowes
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Ontario Para Network joins the wheelchair basketball community in mourning the loss of Paul Bowes — a legendary coach, mentor, and leader whose impact on the sport spanned generations.
With a coaching career that began in 1988, Paul dedicated nearly four decades to developing athletes and strengthening programs at the club, provincial, national, and international levels. From his longstanding leadership with the London Forest City Flyers to his role as Provincial Coach in Ontario, Paul was deeply committed to creating inclusive, competitive, and athlete-centered environments.
Internationally, Paul made a lasting mark with Wheelchair Basketball Canada, contributing to Paralympic and World Championship success and representing Canada with pride on the world stage. In 2025, he was inducted into the Canadian Paralympic Hall of Fame — a fitting recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Para sport.
Paul’s legacy is not only measured in medals and titles, but in the countless athletes, coaches, and families he mentored and inspired. His passion, integrity, and belief in the power of sport will continue to shape wheelchair basketball for years to come.
We extend our deepest condolences to Paul’s family, friends, teammates, and the entire basketball community.
Rest in peace, Paul. Your legacy lives on. 🕊️
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
Leave a CommentThe countdown is on! The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place March 6–15, 2026 across Italy — with events hosted in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Verona, and Val di Fiemme.
Get ready for 10 days of world-class competition, inspiring performances, and unforgettable moments on snow and ice.
🥇 Sports to Watch
Athletes will compete in six thrilling winter Para sports:
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🎿 Para Alpine Skiing – Speed, precision, and technical skill
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🎯 Para Biathlon – Cross-country skiing combined with rifle shooting
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⛷️ Para Cross-Country Skiing – Endurance and sprint racing
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🏒 Para Ice Hockey – Fast-paced, high-intensity team action
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🏂 Para Snowboard – Head-to-head racing and explosive runs
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🥌 Wheelchair Curling – Strategy, teamwork, and precision (including Mixed Pairs!)
With 79 medal events, there will be no shortage of action.
📺 How to Watch (Canada)
Canadian fans can catch all the excitement through CBC and Radio-Canada coverage, including:
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Live television broadcasts
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Streaming on CBC Gem
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Digital coverage online
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French coverage via ICI Télé and ICI Tou.TV
Full schedules, highlights, athlete features, and on-demand replays will be available throughout the Games.
International viewers can check their local broadcaster listings for coverage details.