Whatever your age, disability, experience level, or gender, there's a place for you in wheelchair sports. If you've got the enthusiasm, we've got the tools to help you get there. Our Bridging the Gap program introduces participants to wheelchair sports at our Have a Go Days, and our beginner, recreational and even junior programs help you develop the skills you need to take your game to the next level. We even have a wheelchair loan program to allow you to participate in sport without the high cost of purchasing specialized equipment. Whether you've got Paralympic dreams or just want to work up a sweat once a weekend, our programs and services will help you achieve your goals.
Want to take the next step and get involved?
Contact our program coordinators or fill out our signup form:
Jackie Patatas, Program Manager/ Wheelchair Rugby Coordinator
604.333.3520 ext. 205 | Jackie@bcwheelchairsports.comAna Karanovic, Wheelchair Athletics Coordinator
604.333.3520 ext. 209 | ana@bcwheelchairsports.com
Michelle McDonell, Program Manager/ Wheelchair Tennis Coordinator
604.333.3520 ext. 208 | michelle@bcwheelchairsports.com
More faqs
What wheelchair sports would be appropriate for my disability?
Wheelchair Athletics: Both track and field para-athletics events are suitable for a wide range of disabilities. Thanks to its classification system, athletes with similar disabilities compete together, meaning that it's appropriate for people with spinal cord injuries (paraplegic and quadriplegic), amputees, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, orthopedic injuries, arthritis, muscular dystrophy and other disabilities. Able-bodied people can only compete at a recreational level.
Wheelchair Basketball: Wheelchair basketball is an integrated sport, meaning that able-bodied people can compete up to the national level. It's a great sport for paraplegics, amputees, people with spina bifida, people with arthritis, people with cerebral palsy and people with a wide range of orthopedic injuries. Though quadriplegics do play wheelchair basketball, many find that the sport requires too much upper-body strength and so prefer sports like wheelchair rugby.
Wheelchair Rugby: Wheelchair rugby is for people with mobility impairments in three limbs (for people with spinal cord injuries) or four limbs (for amputees and people with neurological disabilities like cerebral palsy). People with impairment in only one or two limbs (i.e. paraplegics) are not permitted to play the sport.
Wheelchair Tennis: Wheelchair tennis welcomes people with nearly every disability. In fact, it's the only BCWSA sport that is suitable for people in electric wheelchairs. As an integrated sport, able-bodied people are welcome to play. Disabilities that are a good fit for wheelchair tennis include: spinal cord injuries, amputation, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and many more.
Target Sports: Target sports are an excellent sport for those who find cardiovascular-heavy sports difficult. They require intense focus and concentration, but are appropriate for people with paraplegia, quadriplegia, other spinal cord injuries, amputation, and spina bifida.
I don't have any sports experience. How do I get started?
Contact our program coordinators and come out to one of our Bridging the Gap Have a Go Days. Our Program Coordinators can also connect you with coaches of our introductory programs to get you started right away.
How do I know if I'm fit enough for wheelchair sports?
Everyone starts somewhere! We welcome people of all fitness levels. Our Have a Go Days are tailored to people of all fitness levels and we're happy to connect you with a program that meets your fitness needs.
How can I find out if there's a program in my area?
Check out our Program Finder to see if there's a program near you, or contact our Program Coordinators.
The sport I want to play isn't in my area. What do I do?
If you would like to get involved in an individual sport, we can connect you with coaching and equipment to help you participate. If you would like to get involved a team sport, we can provide the knowledge, equipment and other support to enable you to act as a community champion and seed a program in your area.