Wheelchair Rugby Canada is celebrating the next generation of leaders in the sport, announcing the inaugural recipients of the Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Fund. From officials breaking new ground on the international stage to coaches and administrators building programs in their communities, this year’s recipients represent the diverse ways women are shaping the future of Wheelchair Rugby across Canada.

Launched in 2025, the Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Fund was created to strengthen women’s representation in leadership roles across Wheelchair Rugby. Each year, three $3,000 grants are awarded to women involved in coaching, officiating, classification, governance, or organizational leadership. Eligible applicants include those serving on provincial or national boards and committees, holding leadership roles within community clubs, or working in staff positions across the sport. The funding provides opportunities for recipients to pursue training, mentorship, and professional development, while also committing to share their experiences with the broader Wheelchair Rugby community to inspire the next generation of leaders.

 

Emma Boulay – Coach & Builder of the Atlantic Program

Emma Boulay, head coach of the New Brunswick Wheelchair Rugby team, is using her passion for mentorship and athlete development to grow the game in Atlantic Canada. With a strong commitment to both performance and inclusion, Emma is working to create pathways for women leaders in parasport while also building a sustainable foundation for the sport in her province.

Her leadership goals are threefold: to mentor and empower future women leaders, to advance her own coaching excellence through certifications and training, and to collaborate with partners across the Atlantic provinces to develop a long-term strategy for growth. Central to her vision is creating a team culture rooted in resilience, respect, empowerment, and mental wellness, ensuring her athletes thrive both on and off the court.

Through the WILD Fund, Emma plans to pursue advanced coaching clinics and certifications, bring experienced leaders to New Brunswick to run workshops, and attend national women’s wheelchair rugby events. These opportunities will allow her to expand her technical expertise while also fostering stronger community networks and mentorship programs.

For Emma, leadership is not just about strategy or performance, it’s about building a culture where women and underrepresented groups can see themselves reflected, supported, and celebrated in sport. By investing in her development, she hopes to strengthen both her team and the future of Wheelchair Rugby in Atlantic Canada.

Tanya Crowe – Administrator and Support Staff

As Treasurer of the London Annihilators and long-time team support staff, Tanya Crowe has spent more than a decade contributing to the growth and sustainability of her club. From organizing fundraising initiatives and managing accommodations to providing hands-on support at practices, tournaments, and Nationals, she has become a vital part of both the administrative and community sides of the game.

Through the WILD Fund, Tanya aims to strengthen her leadership capacity on the Annihilators’ board, particularly in the areas of recruitment, retention, and community engagement. She also has her sights set on contributing at the national level, hoping to support the Canadian Women’s Development Team at training camps, tournaments, and potentially the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby World Cup in Paris.

Her development plan includes attending national conferences, taking part in webinars on effective governance and gender equity, and expanding her leadership toolkit with new strategies for inclusive sport. Tanya is especially passionate about creating pathways for women and girls in Wheelchair Rugby, as well as engaging the Trans community in sport.

Joli-Anne Lévesque – International Official

Joli-Anne Lévesque has already made her mark in Wheelchair Rugby as a referee, most recently attending the WWR Americas Championships. In July of 2025, Joli-Anne became an internationally certified official; becoming the first Canadian woman to become certified on the global stage. Alongside her work on the court, she is committed to mentoring new referees, having already introduced and trained several women into the officiating pathway.

Through the WILD Fund, Joli-Anne is focused on further strengthening her expertise by gaining exposure at more high-level tournaments outside her province and abroad. She also plans to invest in fitness training, recognizing the physical demands of refereeing at the international level and the importance of presence and authority on the court.

For Joli-Anne, this is not only about advancing her own career, it is about shaping the future of officiating in Canada. By passing on her knowledge and experiences, she hopes to inspire more women to pursue leadership roles in sport and to build a stronger, more inclusive community of officials in Wheelchair Rugby.

Mélanie Labelle – Athlete Leader & Advocate

With over five years of international playing experience, Mélanie Labelle is already a strong voice for athletes in Wheelchair Rugby. She currently serves as Chair of the National Team Athletes’ Council and as an Athlete Representative on the Wheelchair Rugby Canada Board of Directors, while also helping to build the foundation of a new Women’s Development Program.

Her leadership vision extends beyond her playing career: she hopes to help shape the future of the women’s game, strengthen athlete representation, and become a more effective board member and council leader. Through the WILD Fund, she plans to pursue education and networking opportunities, attending national and international conferences focused on sport leadership and gender equity. These experiences will allow her to bring new insights, strategies, and connections back to the Wheelchair Rugby community.

For her, advancing as a leader is about more than personal growth, it’s about leaving the sport better for the next generation. By combining her competitive experience with a growing background in governance, she aims to become a unique asset to Wheelchair Rugby in Canada and internationally, helping to elevate the women’s game and ensure that athlete voices remain at the heart of decision-making.

Jacqueline Rowley – Official & Game Commissioner in Development

Jacqueline Rowley has built a strong reputation as both a referee at the national level in Canada and an international official with experience at major events, including the 2020 and 2024 Paralympic qualification tournaments. With over a decade of involvement in Wheelchair Rugby, beginning during her physiotherapy training in the Netherlands, she has combined technical knowledge, professionalism, and a passion for parasport to elevate the standard of officiating.

Jacqueline’s next leadership goal is to refine her skills as a Game Commissioner (GC), with the ambition of holding the role at the 2028 Paralympic Games. The GC position is a relatively new but vital role in Wheelchair Rugby, responsible for supporting referees on court, liaising with table officials and coaches, and ensuring smooth, fair, and high-quality competition. She has already gained experience in this capacity at the international level and is eager to continue her development.

With support from the WILD Fund, Jacqueline plans to attend high-level national or international events such as Rugbymania or the Asia Oceania Championship. These opportunities will allow her to shadow and learn from senior mentors, sharpen her skills in high-pressure environments, and bring those insights back to the Canadian officiating community.

Beyond the court, Jacqueline’s leadership extends into her professional life as a physical therapist on a spinal cord rehabilitation unit and as a lecturer at the University of Alberta. Her unique perspective bridges parasport and rehabilitation, allowing her to introduce new athletes to Wheelchair Rugby while contributing to the sport’s growth at all levels.

The launch of the Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Fund marks a pivotal moment for Wheelchair Rugby in Canada. By investing in women leaders across officiating, coaching, administration, and governance, the sport is not only building capacity but also shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. These first recipients reflect the strength, vision, and passion that will carry Wheelchair Rugby into its next chapter, and ensure that women’s voices continue to drive the game forward at every level.

The Women in Leadership Development Fund is made possible through the support of the Government of Canada.