Countdown to Ottawa2026: Two Years Until the World’s Best Wheelchair Basketball Athletes Compete on the Global Stage

This week marks the official two-year countdown to the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, taking place from September 9-19, 2026, in Ottawa, Canada. This landmark event will unite the world’s top wheelchair basketball athletes for 11 days of intense competition and celebration, positioning Ottawa as a global epicenter for elite wheelchair basketball.

Building on the excitement of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, anticipation is growing for what is set to be one of the most significant events in wheelchair basketball history. Fans, partners, and supporters are encouraged to sign up for the Ottawa2026 newsletter at Ottawa2026.ca to stay informed on all upcoming announcements.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games highlighted the incredible grit, skill and determination of wheelchair basketball athletes, setting the stage for Ottawa2026. This event not only celebrates the athletes’ athletic excellence but also underscores the importance of Para sport in driving inclusivity and creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities to compete at the highest level. Featuring 336 athletes from 28 men’s and women’s teams, the Championships will showcase the speed, strategy, and athleticism that make wheelchair basketball one of the world’s most dynamic and impactful sports.

Wendy Gittens, Chief Executive Officer at Wheelchair Basketball Canada, said:

“The 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships will be a transformative event unlike anything Canada has ever hosted. This prestigious tournament will showcase the athleticism, determination, and perseverance of the world’s top athletes. As we celebrate sport and inclusivity, we aim to unite Canadians and inspire people worldwide to view disability in a new light, fostering a spirit of positive social change.”

Ulf Mehrens, President of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF), stated:

“Ottawa2026 is an unparalleled opportunity to present the very best of wheelchair basketball on a global stage. We are thrilled to partner with Wheelchair Basketball Canada to bring this world-class event to Ottawa, a city with a rich tradition of sporting excellence. The Championships will not only showcase the incredible talent of our athletes but also champion the core values of inclusivity and unity that our sport embodies.”

Beyond the competition, Ottawa2026 is committed to creating a lasting legacy. This fall, we will unveil details of a school program designed to engage students across the Ottawa region, introducing them to the excitement of wheelchair basketball and promoting inclusivity and the power of sport to drive social change.

As excitement continues to build for Ottawa2026, fans and supporters can stay connected by subscribing to the official newsletter at Ottawa2026.ca. Get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content, insider news, and key announcements in the lead-up to the world’s premier wheelchair basketball championship.

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