Wheelchair Rugby Canada is thrilled to announce that the first Women’s Wheelchair Rugby National Championship will take place April 24–26, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec.

The championship will be held as part of the annual Défi sportif AlterGo, a major adaptive sport event that brings together more than 6,000 athletes competing across 15 sports.

“This is an exceptional addition! The team behind the Défi sportif AlterGo is delighted to host the very first Canadian Women’s Wheelchair Rugby Championship during its 43rd edition. It is a very important milestone for the growth of the women’s side of this sport in our country. We also invite everyone to come watch the competitions and discover these high-level athletes!” said Maxime Gagnon, CEO of AlterGo.

Originally planned as an international women’s wheelchair rugby tournament, Défi sportif AlterGo has shifted its focus this year to the domestic community, graciously hosting the inaugural edition of the Women’s National Championship. The long-term goal is to expand the Défi Sportif wheelchair rugby tournament into an international women’s tournament in future editions.

“For years, we have been writing the history of women’s wheelchair rugby—from solo female participation on mixed-gender club, provincial, and national teams to a growing movement of women competing across Canada and around the world” said Mélanie Labelle, National Team athlete and a leader of the Women’s Development Program.

“The first Canadian Women’s Wheelchair Rugby Nationals is a celebration of that journey—made possible by a dedicated, volunteer-led program and the relentless rise in participation from female athletes across the country. It starts with them—and this is only the beginning. I would also like to thank Défi sportif AlterGo for embarking on this journey with us and for helping create a truly memorable sporting event” Labelle said.

The introduction of a Women’s National Championship marks a significant milestone in Wheelchair Rugby Canada’s ongoing commitment to gender equity in the sport. The organization continues to be a global leader in creating opportunities and competitive pathways for women in wheelchair rugby.

The event will take place at the Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard and will feature three teams.

This announcement follows recent news from World Wheelchair Rugby confirming that the first-ever Women’s World Championships will take place this December in Paris, France.

For more details, such as schedule and how to attend, visit Défi Sportif AlterGo’s website.