The federal government is working to remove barriers to sport so everyone can participate. Through local sport organizations, we're ensuring Canadians have greater access to low- and no-cost opportunities to get involved.
Today, with WinSport and the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), joined Paralympic medalist Chad Jassman and local kids on the court for a "try-it" game of wheelchair basketball.
The visit marked the announcement of $2.5 million in federal funding for Wheelchair Basketball Canada to host the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in Ottawa from September 9 to 19, 2026, building on the momentum of Canada's Year of Sport.
This investment will help deliver a world-class championship, welcoming 336 athletes from 19 countries. It will give elite Canadian wheelchair basketball athletes the opportunity to compete against the world's best on home soil, while attracting international fans and reinforcing Canada's reputation as the best sport-hosting nation.
Support for the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships is part of our government's largest sport investment in Canada's history, committing $1 billion to make sure we continue hosting major sporting events, grow participation, support our athletes, strengthen the sport system and expand sport infrastructure nationwide.
Sport is the ultimate nation builder, and whether it's the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montréal, or the FIFA World Cup 2026™, these moments bring Canadians together and inspire the next generation.
