November 14^th, 2022 – (Ottawa, Ontario) – When Catherine Cadieux, Wheelchair Rugby Canada’s CEO, announced she would retire at the end of 2022, the Board of Directors launched a search for a new executive to lead the organization into the future. “After 26 years at the helm of WRC (formerly CWSA), finding the right individual to protect the culture that Cathy has created and lead us in new directions was a daunting task,” said WRC President, Laurel Crosby. 

Over 50 candidates applied for the position and with the help of professional search team Boyden, we are extremely pleased to announce that Mr. Paul Hunter will assume the position of CEO, effective January 2, 2022. 

Paul joins us from Rugby Canada, where he has held senior positions supporting rugby development since 2015. He has over 15 years of experience in managing provincial and national sporting organizations, and delivering quality programs that prioritize athletes’ safety and inclusion, coaches’ and officials’ training and development, and the establishment of wide-ranging national guidelines.

In his role with Rugby Canada, Paul has strived to make rugby more inclusive and accessible, implementing innovative recruitment strategies that resulted in a national increase in participation. “As WRC prioritizes athlete recruitment and development, Paul’s experience in this area, coupled with his strong focus on Safe Sport and player welfare, will be highly valuable,” said Cathy Cadieux. 

With additional experience in the areas of governance, stakeholder relations, event management and communications Paul is well positioned to lead WRC in new and exciting directions. 

“I am very passionate about sports and am a firm believer in the power of positive sporting experiences for all participants,” Paul stated in the hiring process. With this philosophy as his guide, we welcome Paul to our Wheelchair Rugby Canada family. 

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