Ottawa, ON – Wheelchair Rugby Canada is excited to announce that the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby National Championships will be returning to Ottawa, Ontario from May 14–17, 2026 at Carleton University’s Raven’s Nest.

Hosted by the Ottawa Stingers, this marks the first time since 2019 the nation’s capital will welcome the country’s top wheelchair rugby athletes for four days of competition and celebration.

“The Ottawa Stingers are thrilled to welcome the Wheelchair Rugby National Championships back to Ottawa for a third time!” said Patrice Dagenais, president of the club.  “This event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the intensity, skill, and spirit of wheelchair rugby to the passionate sports fans of the capital region. We’re expecting fierce competition as top athletes from across Canada go head-to-head in the battle for national glory. We can’t wait to welcome you to Ottawa in May 2026!” 

The event kicks off on May 14 with athlete classification, followed by the Opening Ceremonies on May 15. From May 15–17 teams from across the country compete for the Division One Campbell Cup, and Division Two Zbieranowski Cup. The weekend will conclude with a banquet on the evening of May 17 at the Infinity Convention Centre.

“Nationals are the pinnacle of our domestic season, and Ottawa has proven to be an excellent host city for our athletes, coaches, and fans,” said Paul Hunter, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Canada. “We’re proud to partner with the Ottawa Stingers to deliver an incredible event that celebrates the very best of Canadian wheelchair rugby.”

Full event details available HERE

Honouring Canadian Rugby Legends: The Campbell and Zbieranowski Cups

The two championship trophies awarded at Nationals carry the names of individuals who shaped the very foundation of wheelchair rugby in Canada and across the globe.

The Campbell Cup honours Duncan Campbell, affectionately known as the “Quadfather”. In the 1970s, Campbell and a group of friends in Winnipeg invented the sport of wheelchair rugby—then called Murderball—to give quadriplegics a fast, physical team sport. For more than 35 years, Campbell played, coached, and worked tirelessly to grow wheelchair rugby. His leadership as a builder of the sport led to its inclusion as a demonstration sport at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta and as a full medal event in Sydney in 2000. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, the National Championship trophy was renamed the Campbell Cup in 2004.

The Zbieranowski Cup recognizes the extraordinary contributions of Pawel Zbieranowski, a pioneer who played a key role in taking wheelchair rugby from its Canadian roots to the international stage. After beginning his involvement with the Toronto Bulldogs in 1980, Zbieranowski went on to coach at the club, provincial, and national levels, while also serving as a referee, technical leader, and global ambassador for the game. He was instrumental in organizing the first international wheelchair rugby tournament in Toronto in 1989 and later became the founding President of the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation. His vision and leadership were pivotal in securing wheelchair rugby’s place at the Paralympic Games.

Through the Campbell and Zbieranowski Cups, Canada’s National Championships not only crown champions on the court but also honour the legacies of two visionaries whose passion and dedication made the sport what it is today.

More information, including volunteer opportunities, and the full competition schedule, will be released in the coming months.

Mark your calendars now—Ottawa is the place to be this May for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby National Championships!