Wheelchair Basketball Canada National Championships deliver $25,500 legacy boost for parasport

Whitby, Ontario – The power of sport is how it can empower communities beyond the game. The Region of Durham is proud to share that this year’s Wheelchair Basketball Canada National Championships has delivered $25,500 in legacy funds for the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Opportunities Fund. This fund expands parasport opportunities across the region and keeps the spirit of the championships going beyond the competition.

Held from May 23 to 25 at the Durham College and Ontario Tech University Oshawa campus, the Wheelchair Basketball Canada National Championships was hosted by the Ontario Para Network, Wheelchair Basketball Canada and Sport Durham. On the court, Team Ontario captured the men’s national title and Team Quebec took the women’s division. Off the court, the championships delivered:

• $157,500 boost to the local economy.
• $25,500 in legacy funds to grow parasport opportunities and participation in Durham Region.

The event also advanced inclusion through initiatives such as:

• Youth “Try It” sessions introducing wheelchair basketball to young athletes.
• Research collaboration with the University of Ottawa and Western University to advance awareness, recruitment and retention in parasport.
• Girls Enabled And Ready (G.E.A.R.) to Play program, offering women and girls of all ages and abilities an inclusive environment to experience wheelchair basketball.
• Opening ceremony featuring an Indigenous blessing and ceremonial tip-off led by local Paralympian wheelchair basketball player and coach Mike Frogley.
• Youth involvement, with two local players delivering the game ball and participating in the championship tip-off.

Quotes

“I’m thrilled that the championships have delivered $25,500 in legacy funds. This support strengthens the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Opportunities Fund, helping more athletes access parasport opportunities in our community.”

– John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, The Regional Municipality of Durham

“As a para athlete myself, I’m proud of the success of our volunteer organizing committee in hosting such a successful, national competition. I’m proud to be part of the Durham Region community and to play a role in the efforts to continue growing parasport opportunities and participation.”

– Anthony Lue, Co-Chair, Organizing Committee, Wheelchair Basketball Canada National Championships

“The success of these championships is a testament to our community’s continuing commitment to inclusion, accessibility and parasport. I’m particularly proud that our organizing committee was led by people with disabilities. That’s a clear demonstration of genuine commitment and leadership.”

– Don Terry, Co-Chair, Co-Chair, Organizing Committee, Wheelchair Basketball Canada National Championships

Quick facts

• The Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Opportunities Fund was launched in September 2024 alongside the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Legacy Fund as a lasting outcome of the Durham Region 2023 Ontario Parasport Games.
• Nearly $23,000 has been granted from the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Opportunities Fund to local organizations to grow participation and expand opportunities in parasport.
• The 2025 recipients of the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Opportunities Fund highlight the continued impact of this legacy.
• Details on the funds and the application process are available at: DurhamCommunityFoundation.ca/Parasport.

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.