The Ontario government is investing $1.5 million to support the 2026 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) World Championships in Ottawa, an 11-day global sporting event projected to draw more than 100,000 visits and generate an estimated $25 million in economic activity.
The funding, announced Thursday by the Ministry of Sport, is aimed at helping deliver the championships from Sept. 9 to Sept. 19, 2026. The province says the investment aligns with its broader strategy to grow sport tourism, create jobs and strengthen local economies by attracting major international events.
“Ontario is proud to host the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball Championships – one of the premier inclusive sporting events in the world, and a true global showcase of athletic talent and competition,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “We look forward to welcoming teams, fans and visitors from across the globe to see firsthand why Ontario is where the world comes to compete.”
The IWBF World Championships, held every four years, is the largest international wheelchair basketball competition, featuring elite men’s and women’s teams from around the world. The 2026 edition will see 28 national teams and 336 athletes compete in nearly 100 games over 11 days.
Ottawa will serve as the host city, with games taking place at The Arena at TD Place and Carleton University. The tournament is being organized by Wheelchair Basketball Canada.
Provincial officials say the funding will help ensure the event delivers a high-performance competition environment while advancing inclusion and accessibility goals. The province has positioned sport tourism as a key economic driver, particularly as jurisdictions compete for international events that generate hotel stays, restaurant traffic and local spending.
“This event is another marvelous example of how inclusive events can draw top-notch global athletes and help drive sports tourism across our province. Accessibility is helping to unlock the economic potential of Ontario.”
— Raymond Cho
Ontario Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
Wheelchair Basketball Canada CEO Wendy Gittens said the provincial investment will be instrumental in staging the event and growing the sport nationally.
“We are grateful to the province of Ontario for their leadership and investment in the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships,” said Wendy Gittens, Wheelchair Basketball Canada CEO. “Their support not only brings a world-class sporting event to our communities, but also strengthens our shared commitment to advancing inclusive sport and celebrating athletic excellence. This investment will fuel meaningful impact by growing access to sport, inspiring new participants and strengthening wheelchair basketball for future generations.”
Athletes are also welcoming the opportunity to compete on home soil.
“It is motivating to have the support of family, friends and so many fellow Canadians leading into Ottawa 2026. We’re excited to show off the incredible sport of wheelchair basketball to the Canadian crowd and thankful to partners like the Government of Ontario, whose support will allow us to experience this incredible event with the added energy of being on home soil.”
— Lee Melymick
Two-time Paralympian and 2025 IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships gold-medal squad team member, Team Canada
Teams qualify for the championships through zonal tournaments held across the IWBF’s four regions: the Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia Oceania.
The announcement comes amid broader provincial spending in the sport and recreation sector. In 2024, Ontario invested more than $54 million in the industry to support grassroots participation, high-performance sport and community recreation, while also promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
The province also invests over $6 million annually through its Quest for Gold program, which helps athletes train and compete at elite levels. At the 2024 Summer Paralympics, Ontario athletes accounted for 38 per cent of Team Canada, with 92 per cent of those competitors having received Quest for Gold support during their careers.
Looking ahead, applications are set to open later this year for Intake II of the 2026–27 Ontario Sport Hosting Program. The program provides project-based support for national and international amateur sporting events that drive tourism and showcase Ontario’s facilities and hospitality sector.
In parallel, the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is supporting upgrades and new builds, including accessible facilities such as Canada’s first purpose-built goalball court, with the aim of expanding future hosting opportunities.
With less than seven months until the opening tip-off, provincial officials and organizers say the 2026 IWBF World Championships represent both a showcase of elite para sport and a strategic investment in Ontario’s growing sport tourism economy.