Ottawa, ON — Wheelchair Rugby Canada is proud to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of the Government of Canada’s Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI), delivered through the Sport Support Program. Wheelchair Rugby Canada will receive $500,000 in funding to help break down barriers and expand access to sport for under-represented groups across the country.

The CSAI is designed to remove barriers and increase sport participation rates for groups who are often under-represented in sport, including Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+, low-income communities, persons with a disability, newcomers, and seniors. With this funding, Wheelchair Rugby Canada will be able to support local organizations in delivering inclusive programming that welcomes new participants into wheelchair rugby.

The funding will be directed primarily toward provincial-level initiatives, with a focus on:

• “Have a Go” Days – providing opportunities for individuals to try wheelchair rugby in a welcoming and supportive environment.

• Rehabilitation Centre Outreach – connecting with rehabilitation centres across the country to introduce new participants to the sport and its community.

• Equipment Access – purchasing new wheelchair rugby chairs to help remove one of the biggest financial barriers to entry and ensure programs are equipped to welcome participants of all abilities.

“Wheelchair rugby is a sport that thrives on inclusivity, teamwork, and community,” said Paul Hunter, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Canada. “This funding allows us to grow the game and ensure more Canadians, especially those from under-represented groups, have the opportunity to experience the sport.”

Wheelchair Rugby Canada will work closely with provincial partners and community organizations to administer and distribute this funding between 2025 and 2026, ensuring that new athletes across all regions of the country have the chance to get involved.

“Thank you to Wheelchair Rugby Canada for working tirelessly to deliver programs that support active and healthy lifestyles as well as build confidence, resilience and stronger social connections among Canadians. Through the Community Sport for All Initiative, the Government of Canada is proud to support projects that are aimed at inclusive, welcoming and accessible sport” said The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport).

This investment is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensuring that everyone—regardless of background, income, or ability—can access quality sport opportunities that support healthy and active lifestyles.

For more information about the Community Sport for All Initiative, visit the Government of Canada website.

This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada 

 

Media Contact:
Georgia Rudolph
Communications & Content Coordinator
Wheelchair Rugby Canada
grudolph@wheelchairrugby.ca