Montreal, March 21, 2022 – Wheelchair Rugby Canada in partnership with Défi sportif AlterGo is excited to host the 2022 Wheelchair Rugby National Championships. After a two-year hiatus, 10 teams competing in 2 divisions will participate in the 39^th annual Défi sportif AlterGo, the largest multi-sport event in Canada. Wheelchair Rugby competition will begin at Patro Villeray, Montreal.

“Wheelchair Rugby Canada is thrilled that, thanks to the easing of restrictions, and exceptional support from Défi sportif AlterGo, we are once again able to host the National Championships,” said CEO, Cathy Cadieux. “After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic our players are more than ready to compete for provincial pride in 2022.”    

The 4-day tournament is scheduled to commence on Thursday, April 28^th, and conclude Sunday, May 1^st. 

“We are very excited for the return of the WRC National Championships in Montreal,” said Domestic Programs Committee Chair, Patrice Dagenais “The development of our sport has taken a hit these last couple of years due to the Covid-19 restrictions so having the wheelchair rugby community in Canada reunite for this competition is very important. I’m sure our athletes are ready to hit the court and fight for a medal but also have the chance to connect off the court with their peers.”

EVENT PROGRAM

Event Schedule

Wednesday, April 27 – Classification & Technical Meeting

Thursday, April 28 – Competition

Friday, April 29 – Competition

Saturday, April 30 – Competition

Sunday, May 1 – Competition Championships, Ceremonies & Banquet

Full Game Schedule will be updated here.

Watch Livestream here.

 

Competing Teams – Division 1

Alberta Roughnecks

Ontario Thunder

Équipe Québec

Ontario Lightning

Team BC 1

 

Competing Teams – Division 2

Ontario Storm

Québec B

Team BC 2

Alberta Bighorns

Team NB

 

“We are pleased to host the National Rugby Championships again, 10 years after we first hosted them. We thank Wheelchair Rugby Canada for their trust and great collaboration. We are very proud to host such a large-scale event at the Défi sportif AlterGo,” said Jérémie Brisebois, Director of events at AlterGo.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Patro Villeray

7355, avenue Christophe-Colomb, Montréal, Qc, H2R 2S5

Métro Jean-Talon, autobus 93 direction Est

Hôtel Universel Montréal

5000, rue Sherbrooke Est, Montréal, Qc, H1V 1A1

Métro Viau, autobus 136

Spectator Protocol: Health & Safety is a top priority, please be advised of Quebec regulations surrounding covid-19. Measures enforced can be found here. Défi sportif AlterGo will require mask-wearing for all participants, volunteers and spectators related to the 2022 Wheelchair Rugby National Championships. Measures and protocol in place will be available at www.defisportif.com.

Disclosures: CCES (Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport) & True Sport Clean requirements will be in effect.

 

About Défi sportif AlterGo

Unique in the world, the Défi sportif AlterGo is the only event that has been bringing together elite and up-and-coming athletes of all functional limitations for 39 years. In 2022, the Défi sportif AlterGo presents a program that includes high-level sports competitions, sporting competitions in schools and a virtual component. From April 22 to May 1, 2022, more than 4,000 athletes are expected for 10 days of competition. 12 sports will be presented on 7 sites in Montreal and Longueuil.

About National Championships

National Championships have served as the nation’s premier wheelchair rugby competition for more than 30 years. The event provides a meaningful wheelchair rugby competition experience for host cities and participating teams, with over 250 participating athletes, support staff, officials, classifiers, and volunteers.

ABOUT WHEELCHAIR RUGBY CANADA

Wheelchair Rugby Canada is the national governing body for the Canadian Heritage Sport of wheelchair rugby. Wheelchair Rugby Canada strives to be a world-leader in wheelchair rugby, a respected advocate for wheelchair athletes and a visionary organization committed to excellence in programs from recruitment to retirement.

MEDIA CONTACT

Nathan Lederer
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Wheelchair Rugby Canada
nathan@wheelchairrugby.ca or 905-531-7428