Wheelchair Rugby Canada is proud to announce the three recipients of the 2026–2027 Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Fund, representing an ongoing investment in the next generation of leaders. From classification and administration to community-building this year’s recipients reflect the many ways women are strengthening and shaping the future of Wheelchair Rugby across Canada.  

Launched in 2025, the Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Fund was created to increase women’s representation in leadership roles across the sport. Each year, three $3,000 grants are awarded to women involved in coaching, officiating, classification, governance, or organizational leadership. The funding supports opportunities for training, mentorship, and professional development, while also encouraging recipients to share their knowledge and experiences to inspire other future leaders within the Wheelchair Rugby community. 

Andrea Chase 

With more than a decade of experience in Wheelchair Rugby, Andrea Chase has become a key figure in classification both nationally and internationally. A Level 3 international classifier, she has contributed her expertise at provincial tournaments, Wheelchair Rugby Canada National Championships, and on the global stage. 

Andrea’s next goal is to achieve Level 4 international classification — the highest level in the field — and to take on greater leadership responsibilities within the classification system. This year, she will serve as Chief Classifier at Nationals and aims to step into the same role at an international event. 

Beyond her own advancement, Andrea is deeply committed to strengthening the classification system as a whole. She plans to lead a national classification seminar, mentor developing classifiers, and support the recruitment of new classifiers to ensure sustainable growth in this critical area of the sport. 

Through the WILD Fund, Andrea also hopes to contribute to broader system improvements, with the goal of collaborating on international initiatives such as advancing classification processes for athletes with Cerebral Palsy. Her vision is centred on building confidence, transparency, and trust in classification, while creating pathways for future leaders in the field. 

Tanya Crowe 

Returning as a WILD Fund recipient, Tanya Crowe continues to play an integral role in growing Wheelchair Rugby at both the club and national levels. As a long-time leader with the London Annihilators, she has been a driving force behind community engagement, fundraising, and athlete support. 

Over the past year, Tanya has expanded her impact through her work with the Canadian Women’s Wheelchair Rugby Development Team, attending training camps, competitions, and team meetings while supporting the growth of the women’s game across the country. 

Her leadership goals focus on strengthening club-level programming while continuing to support the national women’s development pathway. Through hands-on experience, she is committed to understanding and addressing the barriers faced by women in sport, helping to create more inclusive, welcoming, and empowering spaces for athletes. 

With support from the WILD Fund, Tanya plans to attend training camps and competitions throughout 2026, including events in Montreal, Western Canada, and the Women’s Cup in Paris. She will also continue to lead recruitment and fundraising initiatives in her community, while expanding her knowledge through conferences, webinars, and leadership training focused on gender equity, governance, and athlete well-being. 

For Tanya, leadership is rooted in passion and connection. By continuing to build relationships across the sport and investing in her own growth, she aims to empower more women and girls to find their place in wheelchair rugby. 

Jaimie Randall 

As Parasport Coordinator with Parasport New Brunswick, Jaimie Randall plays an important role in supporting the delivery and growth of wheelchair rugby programs and events. With a strong focus on organization, communication, and athlete support, she contributes to creating environments where athletes and programs can succeed. 

Through the WILD Fund, Jaimie will provide dedicated administrative support to the Canadian Women’s Wheelchair Rugby Development Program. Her work will focus on managing logistics, communications, scheduling, and documentation, helping to strengthen the structure and operations of the program. 

In addition to her administrative contributions, Jaimie will support event delivery and athlete experiences at training camps and competitions, while also assisting with fundraising efforts through grant writing, reporting, and tracking. 

Jaimie is passionate about growing opportunities for women and girls in sport and sees this role as a meaningful way to contribute to the continued development of the women’s game in Canada. By strengthening the systems behind the program, she is helping to build a more sustainable and supportive pathway for current and future athletes. 

The continued success of the Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Fund highlights Wheelchair Rugby Canada’s commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable future for the sport. By investing in leaders across classification, administration, and community development, the program is helping to create stronger systems, expand opportunities, and ensure that women’s voices are represented at every level of the game. 

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