Team Manitoba at the 2018 Wheelchair Rugby Nationals
Invented in 1976 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, wheelchair rugby is one of the most popular sports in the Paralympic Games. A sport that combines elements of basketball, handball, and ice hockey, teams of four players seek to carry the ball through the marked goal by almost any means necessary. Wheelchair rugby is especially unique due to the wheelchairs, as they must withstand contact from other players on the court. The other unique aspect of wheelchair rugby is who can play the sport. Wheelchair rugby is only played by those who have a disability that affects both arms as well their legs.
Manitoba hosts both recreational programming in addition to a provincial team program that attends the Wheelchair Rugby National Championships annually. Athletes involved in the sport are encouraged to participate with the club team, the Winnipeg 76ers Wheelchair Rugby Club, to compete in inter-provincial tournament play as part of the Prairie League. The Club is very active in fundraising to help support the costs of travel to these competitions. Athletes who participate in our program are eligible to earn a spot to Team Manitoba for Nationals – a tournament that occurs in May every year.
Volunteers are important in making this program run successfully. Volunteers who assist athletes with transferring into their wheelchairs, coaching, servicing equipment, or officiating, are all key people. If you are interested in volunteering with the wheelchair rugby program, please contact the MWSA office.
