Women’s Development Program

Wheelchair Rugby Canada is proud to support the Women’s Development Program, and the trailblazing women who are paving the way for gender equity in the sport.  The program is led by an incredible group of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about advancing opportunities for women in wheelchair rugby.

Women’s Development Program

Making History: The Road to the First Women’s World Championships

Canada continues to be a world leader in the advancement of women’s wheelchair rugby. From earning a bronze medal at the 2023 Women’s Cup to the ongoing dedication of athletes, coaches, and volunteers who have helped expand opportunities for women in the sport, the momentum continues to grow.

Now, attention turns to the next historic moment: the inaugural Women’s Wheelchair Rugby World Championships in Paris in December 2026. Team Canada is ready to compete on the world stage and showcase the strength, skill, and determination that have fueled the growth of the women’s game.

The Vision

Lifting Women into the Spotlight.
The Women’s Development Program exists to grow the game, build community, and pave the path to a women’s division at the Paralympic Games.


Program Highlights


Before 2023

  • Women registered individually for the Paris Women’s Cup

  • Fundraising initiatives begun to support Canada’s participation in the World Cup

2023-2024 Season

  • International Debut: Canada’s first fully funded women’s team competed at the Paris Women’s Cup

  • Program Launch: The Women’s Development Program officially formed

2024–2025 Season

  • Women’s Symposium hosted in Vancouver, BC
  • Gender Equity Playbook developed
  • 2 Training Camps held
  • 2 Competitions attended: Gold Medal – Vancouver Invitational (Division 2)
  • 3 Coaches supporting program growth
  • 1 Program Grant secured

2025–2026 Season

  •  The women’s development program competed at RugbyMania in Prague, Czechia under the name ‘Northern Lights’. Historic Milestone: First national women’s team to compete in a coed international division

  • The women’s development program competed in the inaugaral Maddog Memorial tournament in Fredericton, NB, followed by a women’s training camp.

  • The first Women’s National Championships were hosted in Montreal, Quebec, in collaboration with Défi Sportif AlterGo

Looking Ahead: Women’s World Championships

The Women’s Development continues to work toward the 2026 Women’s World Championships, taking place in Paris France this December. 


RugbyMania 2025


In November 2025, the women’s development program entered an all women’s team in the Rugbymania tournament. This reflected a historic milestone in the sport: the first time an all-female team competed in a mixed-gender international tournament. 

Ahead of the event, the women’s development program unveiled their official team name: “Northern Lights”, along with their own branding. Along with the launch of the branding, the program announced a donation campaign to help fund their journey to Prague, raising over $20,000.

The following 10 athletes represented this historic team in Prague: 

  • Ellen Doria – New Brunsick

  • Cory Harrower – Saskatchewan

  • Natasha Smids – Ontario

  • Jessica Kruger – British Columbia

  • Kim Payzant – Alberta

  • Erika Schmutz – Ontario

  • Tiana Hesmert – British Columbia

  • Kasey Aiello – Alberta

  • Sophie Forest – Quebec

  • Kristen Cameron – Prince Edward Island

Supporting the athletes were a dedicated team of volunteer coaches and support staff:

  • Pico Dagenais – Coach

  • Travis Murao – Coach

  • Sally Chamberlain – Support Staff

  • Tanya Crowe – Support Staff

  • Ian Mayberry – Equipment Manager

The Northern Lights finished the tournament in 8th place, and player Cory Harrower of Saskatchewan was recognized as the top 3.0 player in Division 2.

“Our time in Prague proved to be incredibly valuable for both the program and the players involved. The level of competition challenged us, but it also provided a clear understanding of the areas we need to improve to achieve long-term success” said program Head Coach and four-time Paralympian, Patrice Dagenias. “We’re hopeful that we’ll continue to have opportunities like this to train and compete together, allowing us to grow and progress as a team”.



Get Involved

This movement is growing — and you can be part of it.
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, volunteer, donor, or fan, your support makes a difference. Help us empower the next generation of women in wheelchair rugby.

Interested in supporting the program or learning more?
changethegame@wheelchairrugby.ca or donate.

 

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