As part of the legacy of the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, the program aims to inspire youth to embrace diversity, inclusion, and accessibility through engaging school visits.
Running from November 2024 to June 2026, the Schools Program offers students hands-on experiences with wheelchair basketball, including demonstrations, skill-building sessions, and opportunities to play the sport. Tailored for Grades 6-12, the program promotes inclusivity and encourages participation from students of all abilities.
“The Ottawa2026 Schools Program goes beyond teaching the rules of wheelchair basketball,” said Wendy Gittens, CEO of Wheelchair Basketball Canada. “It’s about opening young minds to the power of inclusion and showing them that sport is for everyone. We’re excited to bring this program to schools and engage the next generation in conversations around diversity and accessibility.”
Participating schools will also receive exclusive invitations to attend the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, set to take place in Ottawa from September 9-19, 2026. Students will not only learn about the sport but also have the chance to witness the world’s best athletes compete for the title of World Champion.
What is the Schools Program?
The Ottawa2026 Schools Program is an interactive, educational experience that promotes inclusivity and active lifestyles through wheelchair basketball. During a 90-minute visit, students will:
- Learn the basics of wheelchair basketball: Including the rules, skills, and equipment, while emphasizing that anyone—whether they have a disability or not—can participate.
- Engage in demonstrations: Students will actively participate in chair maneuvering, basic ball handling, shooting, passing, and other key skills, experiencing the athleticism of the sport firsthand.
- Participate in a wheelchair basketball game: Fostering teamwork and inclusive fun for all abilities.
- Learn about the 2026 World Championships: Schools will receive invitations to attend the event, encouraging students to engage further with the sport.
Programs like the Ottawa2026 Schools Program are made possible through the support of dedicated partners like Lépine Apartments, whose commitment has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life.
“Just as a building rises tall when set on a strong and stable foundation, so do our communities when we invest in the spirit and abilities of our children,” said Francis Lépine, President and CEO. “Lépine is sponsoring the Wheelchair Basketball Canada Ottawa2026 School Program to support the opportunity it creates for our youth to see beyond themselves and set their sights on a more inclusive, accessible, and diverse Canada. When our children exercise their bodies physically through sports and teamwork, regardless of their abilities, they will better understand themselves and their fellow Canadians.”
In addition to partnering with Lépine Apartments, Wheelchair Basketball Canada and Ottawa2026 are proud to work alongside Abilities Ottawa in delivering the Schools Program. While the Ottawa 2026 Schools Program provides an introductory experience, the Para Sport Education Program through Abilities Ottawa provides a more in-depth program that goes beyond wheelchair basketball, offering participants opportunities to learn about many different Para Sports and inclusive recreation.
As the countdown to the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships continues, Wheelchair Basketball Canada, Ottawa2026, and their partners are proud to build a future where sport serves as a powerful tool for inclusion, diversity, and accessibility. To learn more or apply for the Schools Program, visit https://ottawa2026.ca/schools-program/.
