By: Katelyn Parsons

The GOOD Games are launching in Calgary with one goal: to build one of the most exciting, inclusive, and unforgettable sports festivals in the country –  and wheelchair rugby will be right at the heart of the action.

As a part of the annual Chinook Blast, Calgary’s annual winter festival celebrating light, art, culture, and community, the GOOD Games will transform the BMO Centre at Stampede Park into a multi-sport hub filled with competition, community, and connection. For three days, the venue will come alive, featuring various events including adaptive sport, Indigenous sport and cultural experiences; offering opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.

From February 13–15, 2026, the Calgary Ignite Wheelchair Rugby Tournament will take the floor, supported by Wheelchair Rugby Canada in partnership with Wheelchair Sports Alberta (WSA) and The Good Games. Competing alongside other sports in a festival setting, athletes will showcase the speed, strategy, and intensity that make wheelchair rugby one of the most exciting para sports in the world.

In addition to tournament competition, the weekend will also offer a chance for the community to roll onto the court themselves. A “Have a Go” wheelchair rugby session will take place on Saturday, February 14th at 4:00 p.m. 

Kyle Riva of the Calgary Inferno Wheelchair Rugby Club, and organizer of the wheelchair rugby portion of the GOOD Games, says the festival environment creates an opportunity to reach new audiences and grow the sport.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the GOOD Games for this year’s Ignite tournament — it’s a completely new experience for our club,” said Riva. “Competing in a festival-style atmosphere inside a large, energetic venue with other sports taking place will bring exciting opportunities and unique challenges. This event allows us, as both a club and a para sport community, to increase awareness of wheelchair rugby, showcase the intensity of our matches, and give people the chance to experience the sport in a safe, welcoming environment.”

While wheelchair rugby is known for its hard-hitting, fast-paced action, Riva emphasizes that the sport is also built on inclusion, teamwork, and belonging.

“At its core, wheelchair rugby is welcoming and inclusive — strategic, competitive, and a lot of fun. The sport is co-ed and encourages participation from underrepresented groups,” he said. “Players often talk about how the sport keeps them active and healthy, but also how it creates community, confidence, and purpose. Wheelchair rugby has changed a lot of players’ lives.”

The GOOD Games is designed for everyone, whether you come to compete, cheer, learn, or simply be part of the energy. There will be multiple opportunities to participate.

“This festival creates space for people to compete, connect, and be part of something bigger,” Riva added. “With so many sports taking place, we hope this event inspires future athletes to get involved and discover wheelchair rugby for themselves.”

The GOOD Games reflects a growing movement toward accessible, inclusive sport experiences that bring communities together – and wheelchair rugby is proud to be part of the beginning of what aims to be a festival that returns year after year, growing and evolving alongside the city.

 Spectators are welcome throughout the weekend, and individuals interested in trying the sport can register by emailing infernowheelchairrugby@gmail.com. Event updates, schedules, and roster information will be shared on Instagram @calgarywheelchairrugby and on Facebook.