Canadian players excited to share Para sport experience at wheelchair basketball world championships in Ottawa

OTTAWA – When asked about next year’s home wheelchair basketball world championships – set for September 9-19, 2026 in Ottawa – the word ‘share’ is a common theme with Canada’s national team players.

They are looking forward to sharing the moment not only with their teammates, but with their friends and families, many of whom might see them play in person for the first time at such a high level. Most international competitions for national team athletes are generally in far-flung metropolises across Europe, Asia and South America.

But also, the 2026 worlds are about much more for these elite athletes. It’s not only about medals and competition, but also about sharing and showcasing their sport, Para sport in general, and what people with a disability can accomplish to the City of Ottawa and to all of Canada.

‘’It’s something that not every athlete gets to experience,’’ said men’s national team player Reed De’Aeth to CPC this past summer at a national team training camp. ‘’It’s going to be amazing. You want to produce good results at home, so it gives you that little extra gear both in preparation and at the tournament.

‘’Wheelchair basketball is a great sport; it’s going to have a big impact both in Ottawa and across the country. I really hope to see a lot of kids come out to the games and it motivates them to get into the sport.”

De’Aeth’s veteran teammate Nik Goncin, a three-time Paralympian, says an event like the world championships can have a major impact that goes beyond sport.

‘’We’re trying to not just grow the sport but grow awareness of what a disability is, what accessibility is, and I think Ottawa will be a nice stamp on that,’’ said Goncin, one of Canada’s top scoring forwards.

‘’It’s an impact we’ve seen elsewhere, so I’m hoping Ottawa plays a similar role in Canada and just kind of opens people’s eyes.”

The last time Canada hosted the world championships was in 2014, when the women’s team struck gold in Toronto. This history isn’t lost on current players.

‘’It brings more pressure and more excitement because we get to share it with a lot of people around us that wouldn’t be travelling to big tournaments like this,’’ said Puisand Lai of the women’s national team on playing at home. ‘’So I’m really excited to share it with friends and I’m hopeful we get a really big cheering squad around Canada.

‘’We expect to have really strong teams, and those worlds are now our main focus.”

When Canada’s national team athletes talk about sharing the experience with family, friends, and fans, there’s also a competitive edge. Both Canadian squads finished just outside the medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and the memory of the women’s 2014 world title on home soil adds extra motivation to reach the podium in Ottawa.

The 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships will take place September 9-19, 2026 in Ottawa. For more information, please visit Ottawa2026.ca.