WINNIPEG — As Canadians mark Giving Tuesday, a global movement that encourages people to support the charities and communities that matter most to them, Wheelchair Rugby Canada is highlighting the athletes whose lives have been impacted by the wheelchair rugby community — including Winnipeg’s Reese Ketler. 

For Ketler, wheelchair rugby became a new beginning. A former competitive hockey player, he sustained a spinal cord injury that brought his hockey career to an abrupt end. But just a year and a half after trying wheelchair rugby for the first time, he earned a spot in the National Team Athlete Pool. Off the court, he has grown into a visible advocate for accessibility, sharing videos about his day-to-day life, aiming to help others navigate similar experiences, and raise awareness for accessibility to his over 600,000 total followers on social media. 

Wheelchair rugby, developed in Winnipeg in 1977 by quadriplegic athletes, blends elements of basketball, handball and ice hockey into a fast-paced, strategic team sport designed for athletes with mobility impairments. Beyond competition, it provides structure, confidence and opportunities for athletes across Canada. Through recruitment programs, community clubs, development camps and national team systems, Wheelchair Rugby Canada aims to support athletes from their first practice to the international stage. 

For Ketler, his introduction to the sport was during his rehabilitation.
“My coach, Jared Funk, came to the hospital after my injury and told me that if I wanted to get back into sport, I should try wheelchair rugby,” he said. “I went to a practice just to see what it was like, and from the moment I watched the intensity on the court, I knew I had to try it. What started as curiosity quickly became a big part of my life.” 

The strength of the wheelchair rugby community is what ultimately drew him in. 

“I fell in love with wheelchair rugby because of the community,” Ketler said. “I loved learning from others in my situation and being part of a group that understood what I was going through.” 

He added that the sport also filled a gap left by his hockey career: “I missed the hitting and physicality that hockey gave me, and rugby gave me the perfect way to get that back while still being part of a team.” 

As he progressed, the sense of belonging solidified, and he became excited by the opportunities the sport had to offer.
“I love traveling the world with my best friends,” he said. “I love working towards a goal, pushing myself and my team to be better every day. And I love representing Canada, knowing I get to compete at the highest level while wearing my country’s colours.” 

The life skills he has gained go well beyond the court, as he found a community of people with similar lived experiences. 
“I’ve learned things from the wheelchair rugby community that doctors in the hospital didn’t teach me,” Ketler said. “I’ve learned how to live independently, discovered tips and tricks to make everyday life easier, and gained skills that go beyond the sport. It’s also kept me in tip-top shape.” 

Rugby has become a cornerstone of his life, and Ketler looks forward to giving back to the community, in the way it has for him. 
“It has allowed me to travel, compete at a high level, tell my story and connect with people who have similar stories to mine,” he said. “It has also given me the chance to mentor others who are just starting their own journey.” 

Two career moments stand out for Ketler: winning gold for Canada in Prague this November and earning a national championship title with SaskToba in 2023. Both were reminders how far he has come as an elite athlete, and how vital teamwork is to his success.  

Looking ahead, Ketler’s ambitions continue to grow.
“My ultimate goal is to reach the Paralympics and compete at the highest level I can, while continuing to inspire others through my journey,” he said. 

 

As Giving Tuesday encourages Canadians to support meaningful causes through donations, volunteering, and acts of kindness, contributions to Wheelchair Rugby Canada directly fuel the programs that allow athletes like Ketler to thrive — from grassroots initiatives and development camps to coaching, classification, and national team support. 

You can donate today at: wheelchairrugby.ca/donate

Find out how to volunteer at: https://wheelchairrugby.ca/opportunities/ or by emailing info@wheelchairrugby.ca

Learn more about Wheelchair Rugby Canada programs: wheelchairrugby.ca

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.

About Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a worldwide movement that celebrates generosity and inspires people to give back to their communities through acts of donations, volunteering, kindness. It emphasizes the importance of supporting local charities and non-profit organizations that matter most to individuals. It’s mission is to help build a world where generosity and kindness is part of everyday life!