UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Para Sport Learning Culminates in World Championship Experience

Throughout September, students from across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) are travelling to Ottawa to cheer on elite athletes at the IWBF 2026 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships. Many of the students are attending games after participating in interactive wheelchair basketball activities at their schools, where they learned about the sport and para-athletics ahead of the international event.

Since 2024, representatives from the tournament have been visiting schools across the UCDSB as part of the IWBF Ottawa 2026 Schools Program. The program introduces students to wheelchair basketball through interactive, educational experiences designed to inspire inclusion, promote active lifestyles, and raise awareness of para sport. During each session, students learn the fundamentals of wheelchair basketball, watch skill demonstrations, and participate in game play. They also discover that wheelchair basketball is a sport in which athletes with and without disabilities can compete.

As part of this learning was the opportunity to attend a game at the 2026 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, which runs from September 9-19.

"The game was great," said Centennial '67 Public School student Everett Lalonde. "I liked watching Japan and the other team score. Some of my friends got to play wheelchair basketball during the break too which was really cool."

"I thought it was pretty cool to see what they could do," said Swift Waters Elementary School student Morgan Mitchell. "The way they got back up after falling and kept playing was awesome. They made it look so easy, it was inspiring!"

"It was so fun to watch," added Swift Waters student Lia Wilson. "It was really cool how they could move their wheelchair at the same time they're holding the ball. They have to be really strong to do all that stuff!"

"Wheelchair basketball brings the goals of our All-In Sport Initiative to life," said UCDSB Health and Physical Education Learning Partner Lisa Winters. "It shows students that sport can be inclusive, accessible, and meaningful for everyone. Seeing elite athletes compete helps students understand that barriers can be removed, talents can be celebrated, and every individual deserves the opportunity to participate, belong and succeed through sport."

The values highlighted at the World Championships will continue into the 2026-27 school year through the UCDSB's All-In Sport Initiative. As part of the Board's commitment to inclusion, schools are expanding opportunities for students to learn about and participate in parasports, helping to foster greater awareness, accessibility, and belonging. Working alongside partners such as the Rick Hansen Foundation, district champions, and inclusive education leaders, the initiative is building staff and student capacity while ensuring all students have meaningful opportunities to engage in sport.