Hall of Fame
Honoring and Preserving our Wheelchair Rugby Heritage
Established in 2017, the Canadian Wheelchair Rugby Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates the lifetime achievements of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development and advancement of wheelchair rugby in Canada and internationally.
From athletes whose performances have brought recognition to Canada to the coaches, administrators, volunteers and officials who have helped grow the sport, the Hall of Fame honours the people whose achievements, leadership and dedication have shaped wheelchair rugby and its legacy.
As Wheelchair Rugby Canada (WRC) celebrates the sport’s 50th anniversary in 2027, the Hall of Fame will return with a new class of inductees. Moving forward, WRC will celebrate Hall of Fame inductions annually, continuing to recognize the individuals who have made a lasting impact on the sport.
The 2027 induction ceremony will take place during the Canadian Wheelchair Rugby National Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where the sport was first developed in 1977.
Categories and Eligibility Criteria
Individuals who are Canadian citizens or have lived in Canada for at least five years and have made a significant impact on wheelchair rugby may be nominated for induction. Contributions may be at the local, provincial, national or international level.
The Hall of Fame recognizes achievements and contributions across four categories:
Athlete
Candidates are selected based on their skill level, sportsmanship, character and exceptional achievements in wheelchair rugby. National Team athlete nominees will only be considered three years after retiring from major championship competitions.
Builder
Candidates are selected based on their significant contributions to the progress and development of wheelchair rugby in Canada at the local, provincial, national or international level. Nominees may be active or inactive at the time of consideration.
Coaches, Officials and Classifiers
Candidates are selected based on their significant contributions to the development of wheelchair rugby in Canada at the local, provincial, national or international level. Nominees must have retired from the position for which they are nominated or have served in their field for at least six years.
Team
Candidates are selected based on their significant contributions to the growth and progress of wheelchair rugby in Canada and internationally, whether at the local, provincial, national or international level. Canadian national teams are automatically inducted if they have secured a gold medal at the World Championships or Paralympic Games. Special circumstances will be evaluated individually by the Hall of Fame Committee.
Submit a Nomination
Do you know someone whose achievements or dedication have helped shape wheelchair rugby? WRC encourages members of the community to recognize these individuals by submitting a Hall of Fame nomination.
Nominations for the 2027 Wheelchair Rugby Canada Hall of Fame are open until December 31, 2026.
Review the nomination criteria and complete the nomination form below.
Hall of Fame Inductees
The Canadian Wheelchair Rugby Hall of Fame honours individuals and teams whose achievements have helped shape the sport’s history and legacy.
ATHLETES
2002 World Wheelchair Rugby Championship Team (Class of 2017)
The Founding Fathers (Class of 2017)
Garett Hickling (Class of 2017)
Judith Zelman (Class of 2017)
BUILDERS
Pawel Zbieranowski (Class of 2017)
