Wheelchair basketball is one of the most electrifying sports in the world. It is fast, tactical, physically demanding and emotionally gripping. For many athletes, it is not simply a game but a lifeline, a community and a place where identity and purpose are rebuilt. This September, Ottawa will become the global centre of this remarkable sport when the city hosts the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships from September 9 to 19.
The event will bring together elite athletes from nineteen nations at The Arena at TD Place and Carleton University for eleven days of world-class competition.
The Championships represent far more than a sporting event. They are a celebration of resilience, athletic excellence and the human stories that define wheelchair basketball. The sport was born in the late 1940s when injured veterans returning from the Second World War began adapting basketball as part of their rehabilitation.
What began as a therapeutic activity evolved into a global movement governed by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation. Today, wheelchair basketball is played in professional leagues, featured in the Paralympic Games and followed by millions of fans worldwide.
“Ottawa hosting the men’s and women’s World Championships together for the first time is a huge opportunity, both for our city and parasport in Canada”, said Cindy Burwell, Executive Director of the Ottawa 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships. “Wheelchair Basketball Canada has been building toward this moment for years, and we can’t wait to welcome the world.”
The athletes who will soon arrive in Ottawa are among the most skilled competitors in parasport. Their chairs are precision-engineered for speed and maneuverability. Their training regimens rival those of any able bodied professional athlete. Many have overcome life-changing injuries or congenital conditions. Many discover the sport through youth programs or community clubs. All share a commitment to excellence that is evident in every pass, every shot and every defensive battle on the court.
The classification system used in wheelchair basketball ensures fairness and balance. Athletes are assigned a point value from one point zero to four point five based on their functional ability. Teams must field lineups that stay within a total point limit. This system creates a unique strategic dimension that rewards teamwork, creativity and intelligent coaching. It also ensures that athletes with different abilities can compete together at the highest level.
“The level of skill these athletes bring is incredible, from their speed and athleticism to the strategy behind every game,” said Wendy Gittens, CEO of Wheelchair Basketball Canada. “This sport has evolved into one of the most intense and exciting team games in the world, and Ottawa fans are about to see that for themselves on home soil.”
Ottawa’s selection as host city is a milestone for Canada. The championships will bring hundreds of athletes, coaches, officials and supporters to the capital. The Arena at TD Place and Carleton University offer accessible, high-quality facilities that meet international standards. The event will feature both men’s and women’s tournaments with powerhouse nations competing, including Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Australia, China and the Netherlands. Canada’s national teams will have the advantage of home crowd energy and the opportunity to inspire young Canadians who may be discovering the sport for the first time.
The championships will also include youth engagement and activations that highlight Ottawa’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility. Local schools and sports organizations are preparing to welcome visiting teams. The human connections formed during these events often last long after the final whistle.
The importance of the Ottawa 2026 IWBF World Championships extends beyond the court. The event arrives at a time when conversations about accessibility, inclusion and parasport are gaining momentum across Canada. Wheelchair basketball challenges assumptions about disability and showcases athletes whose skill and determination redefine what elite performance looks like. It also inspires the next generation. Many young people will see wheelchair basketball at the highest level for the first time, and some will discover a sport that becomes part of their lives.
“Ottawa 2026 will create transformative moments of connection and inspiration,” said Cindy Burwell, Executive Director of the Ottawa 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships. “Whether it’s a local school showing support for a visiting team or a young person watching this level of competition for the first time, we’re building a legacy that shifts perceptions of what people expect when it comes to inclusion and accessibility in sport.”
As the countdown to opening day on September 9 continues, Ottawa is preparing to welcome the world. The championships will be a celebration of athletic excellence and the human spirit. They will also serve as a reminder that sport has the power to unite communities, elevate voices, and create opportunities for people of all abilities.
Tickets for the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships are available at ottawa2026.ca.
Photo: www.facebook.com/ottawa2026
