Canadian wheelchair sport links

Links to Related Sites

The Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association is only one of many organizations serving athletes with a disability. Provincially, CWSA's member organizations recruit and support chair athletes. Many sports once covered by CWSA are now administered by the appropriate national-level, able-bodied sports organizations.

The following organizations are involved in delivering sport programs to athletes with a disability. Links have been included for those with active web sites. Where an organization does not have a web site, we have provided a link to its parent organization, or to off-line contact information.

Updated: August 4, 2009

NAME

MULTI-SPORT ORGANIZATION

DESCRIPTION

	Sport Canada	Sport Canada is a branch of the Canadian Identity Sector within the federal Department of Canadian Heritage. It's mission is to: "support the achievement of high performance excellence and the development of the Canadian sport system to strengthen the unique contribution that sport makes to Canadian identity, culture and society."
	British Columbia Wheelchair Sports Association	The governing body for wheelchair sports in British Columbia. BC Wheelchair Sports is a not-for-profit organization devoted to providing opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities. Since being founded in 1971, we have worked to provide access to quality programs for athletes with disabilities. This has always been our focus and continues to be what drives us. In partnership with other Provincial Wheelchair Sports Societies across Canada, BCWSA is dedicated to promoting Wheelchair Sport and community awareness.
	Wheelchair Sports Alberta	The governing body for wheelchair sports in Alberta. Wheelchair Sports Alberta is the governing body for wheelchair sports in Alberta. They are a non-profit organization that provides a variety of recreational and competitive sport opportunities to wheelchair athletes, coaches and volunteers. Their mission is to facilitate sport opportunities for members, from the developmental to the elite level of participation, in the areas of athletic competition, technical development, leadership, and integration.
	Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association	The governing body for wheelchair sports in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association (SWSA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing and supporting opportunities for children, teens and adults with disabilities to participate in the Association's sport, recreation and leisure time activities ton the best of their abilities. SWSA promotes sport, recreation, fitness, leisure, training and a healthy lifestyle for those people with mobility impairment. Many different programs and sports are supported by SWSA and members are encouraged to try new programs and activities.
	Manitoba Wheelchair Sports Association	The governing body for wheelchair sports in Manitoba. The MWSA was established to contribute and provide incentive for the total development of physically disabled persons by providing them with opportunities to participate in a variety of recreational activities and wheelchair sports. The MWSA is an evolving organization which directs its efforts towards providing quality services and programs to support their members throughout the province in their chosen athletic endeavours.
	Nova Scotia Wheelchair Sports Federation	The governing body for wheelchair sports in Nova Scotia.
	Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association	The governing body for wheelchair sports in Ontario. The OWSA is dedicated to the development and promotion of athlete centred, amateur wheelchair sport programs. In 1972 the Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association (OWSA) was established to coordinate workshops, clinics, seminars, competitions, public awareness demonstrations and special events to promote wheelchair sports throughout the Province. The OWSA is also responsible for setting policy, qualifying standards, enforcing rules, sanctioning events, handling protests and other related matters to ensure that all competitions are run fairly.
	Quebec Wheelchair Sports Association	The Quebec Wheelchair Sports Association (AQSFR) is a non-profit organisation officially recognised as the organisation to govern wheelchair sports by the Québec government since 1990, and consists of more than 300 athletes from across the province. It's major sport programs are in athletics, basketball, rugby, tennis and handcycling. Sports under development include fencing, powerlifting, archery, sledge hockey, sailing, and alpine skiing. Their mission is to coordinate and provide development opportunities in wheelchair sport for all levels of performance for the benefit of all people with a physical limitation in the province of Québec.
NBWSA	New Brunswick Wheelchair Sports Association	The governing body for wheelchair sports in New Brunswick.
	Paralympics PEI	The governing body for wheelchair sports in Prince Edward Island. Paralympics PEI is a volunteer, non-profit organization established in January 1974 to support the participation by persons who are physically challenged in recreation and sport activities. Over the years, athletes who are physically challenged from P.E.I. have achieved national and international recognition in sport. Recreation participation is enhanced and developed through a variety of local programs and provincial events.
	Wheelchair Sports Association of Newfoundland and Labrador	The governing body for wheelchair sports in Newfoundland and Labrador.
	Active Living Alliance	Our vision is full and equitable access to active living opportunities for Canadians with disabilities. Our mission is to promote inclusion and active living lifestyles of Canadians with disabilities by facilitating communication and collaboration among organizations, agencies, and individuals.
	Active Living Resource Centre for Ontarians with a Disability (ALRC)	The Active Living Resource Centre for Ontarians with a Disability (ALRC) was developed as a project of the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability - Ontario (ALACD-ON), as a result of a provincial Think Tank held in February 2000. The ALRC incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2005 and is a one-stop shop for facts on active living, practical resources, programs in Ontario communities and "how to" materials that enable individuals with disabilities, families and caregivers, and professionals within the field to access information.
	Canadian Amputee Sports Association	Canada's governing body for sports for amputee athletes.
	Canadian Blind Sports Association	The Canadian Blind Sports Association is the recognized sport governing body for blind sports in Canada. "The CBSA is a volunteer based not-for-profit organization that facilitates national and international sport opportunities for Canadians who are legally blind."
	Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association	Canada's governing body for sports for athletes with cerebral palsy. The CCPSA is an athlete focused national organization administering and governing sport opportunities targeted to athletes with CP and related disabilities. CCPSA and its provincial partners cooperate as a proactive force to facilitate the development of equitable and fair sporting opportunities for our athletes.
	Canadian Deaf Sports Association	The CDSA was established in 1963, and was the first Canadian Sports Organization for the Disabled. The objective of CDSA is to "promote and facilitate the practice of fitness, amateur sports and recreation among deaf people of all ages in Canada from the local recreational level to Olympics calibre."
	Canadian Paralympic Committee	The governing body for Canada's Paralympic team. The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a private corporation recognized by the International Paralympic Committee since 1989 as the National Paralympic Committee in Canada. CPC's mandate is to "promote the Paralympic movement to the fullest by providing the professional management of Canada's Paralympic Teams."
	International Paralympic Committee	The international sport governing body for Paralympic Sports. IPC's object is to: "form and be the international representative organisation of sports for athletes with disabilities at Paralympic standards."
	International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports Federation	The recently combined body of the International Stoke Mandeville Wheelchair Sports Federation and the International Sports Organisation for the Disabled reflects the unification of the two international organisations responsible for the establishment of the Paralympic Games and movement that emerged from humble beginnings at Stoke Mandeville in the late 1940’s. The Stoke Mandeville model for sporting opportunity for athletes with a disability continues under the name "International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports Federation", firmly upholding traditional values and the long established foundation on which international recruitment, development and participation from grass roots to elite for the majority of paralympic athletes is based.
	Centre for Sport and Law Inc.	The Centre for Sport and Law is a consulting company offering services and practical resources on legal and risk management issues.
	Athletes CAN	Athletes CAN is the association representing Canada's National Team Athletes. The mission of Athletes CAN is to work with our partners in leadership, advocacy and education to ensure a fair, responsive and supportive sport system for high performance athletes in Canada.
	World Anti-Doping Agency	WADA coordinates a comprehensive anti-doping program at the international level." Mission Statement: "The mission of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is to promote and coordinate at international level the fight against doping in sport in all forms."
	Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic	"The CSCA is committed to supporting high performance athletes and coaches training in Atlantic Canada through the provision of essential services towards their pursuit of athletic and personal excellence. "The CSCA is a 'virtual' centre using a decentralized model of service delivery with administrative outreach offices based in Halifax, Fredericton, St. Johns, and Charlottetown. The CSCA will play a coordinating role; linking athletes and coaches with identified service provider partners."
	Canadian Sport Centre Calgary	The Canadian Sport Centre Calgary (CSCC) is one of the top Olympic sport training environments in the world, and a proud member of a network of eight centres across the country. Our mandate is to give Canada’s national team athletes the physical, psychological and competitive edge to reach the podium.
	Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba	The CSCM is dedicated to the support of athletic excellence by providing programs and services for Manitoba’s high performance athletes and coaches. As the beneficiary of the legacy of the 13th Pan – American Games held in Winnipeg in 1999, the CSCM will continue its commitment to furthering the success of our athletes in Canada and world-wide.
	National Multisport Centre Montréal	The mission of the CNMM is to support high performance athletes and train world-class coaches, taking their holistic development into consideration, in order to help them achieve the best possible results at international competitions. Our clientele consists primarily of carded athletes or members of senior national teams, as well as Level 4 and 5 coaches of recognized training groups. Athletes who are members of national B or junior teams (national development teams) and those designated as “elite” and "relève" in Québec also have access to certain services.
	Canadian Sport Centre Ontario	The CSC Ontario provides services and programs to enhance the training environment for athletes and coaches in three primary areas of activity: Athlete Services, Training Group Partnerships, and the National Coaching Institute (NCI), which offers the NCCP Level IV Diploma program. The CSC Ontario also plays an on-going leadership role in helping develop sport nationally and provincially, recognizing the connection between participation and excellence as being part of the same sport continuum.
	Pacific Sport Group	BC Network of National and Regional Sport Centres PacificSport services the finest athletes and coaches in Pacific Canada: The Olympians and Paralympians, Canada's developing champions of tomorrow; Provincial team athletes and the best Regional prospects rising through the system.
	Canadian Sport Centre Saskatchewan	Our Vision: "More Canadian athletes pursuing and realizing podium performances at international competitions." Mission Statement: "To support high performance athletes to achieve podium performances at international competitions through a holistic process."

NAME

SINGLE-SPORT ORGANIZATION

DESCRIPTION

	ARCHERY Federation of Canadian Archers, Inc.	The national governing body for archery in Canada. To promote and develop our timeless sport of archery in a safe and ethical manner by providing programs that empower all participants to enjoy themselves and achieve their personal goals
	ATHLETICS Athletics Canada	The National Sport Governing Body for Track and Field in Canada. "Athletics Canada's purpose is to support high performance athletics at the world level, and to provide leadership in developmental athletics."
	BASKETBALL Wheelchair Basketball Canada	The National Sports Governing Body responsible for the organization of wheelchair basketball in Canada. "It is a non-profit, charitable organization that is the Canadian member to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF). WBC delivers programs and services that strengthen the sport from the grassroots level to high performance athlete’s competing in the Paralympic Games"
	CYCLING Canadian Cycling Association	The National Sports Governing Body responsible for the organization of cycling and hand cycling in Canada.
	EQUESTRIAN Equine Canada Hippique	The national governing body for equestrian sport in Canada. "The ECH is responsible for fostering and encouraging the development of equestrian activity, with the exception of racing."
	FENCING Canadian Fencing Federation	The national sport governing body for fencing. "Our mandate is to establish, develop and support fencing in Canada and to represent Canada with distinction on the international scene."
	HOCKEY (Electric) Electric Wheelchair Hockey	The governing body for the sport of electric wheelchair hockey in Canada. "Our mission statement is: to provide a quality hockey program for all persons with disabilities who have limited upper body strength and/or mobility, who could significantly benefit from the use of an electric wheelchair in competitive sport." Other recommended site: Calgary PowerHockey League
	HOCKEY (Sledge) Hockey Canada	The governing body for the sport of sledge hockey in Canada. Our mission: "To promote and develop the sport of sledge hockey for all Canadians."
	LAWN BOWLING Bowls Canada Boulingrin	Canada's governing body for the sport of lawn bowling. "Bowls Canada Boulingrin is the Canadian sport association overseeing bowls, which includes the promotion and development of lawn bowls, lawn bowling, indoor bowls, short mat bowls and carpet bowls."
	RACQUETBALL Racquetball Canada	Canada's governing body for the sport of racquetball. "The role of Racquetball Canada is to promote racquetball as a sport and a physical activity, and to provide leadership by developing and coordinating services and programs designed to meet the needs of the racquetball community."
	RIDING Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association	The Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association is the National Sports organization for Therapeutic Riding and riders with a disability in Canada. "To support CanTRA's centres across Canada by promoting riding as a therapeutic, recreational and sport activity for children and adults with disabilities through education, an instructor certification program, and liability insurance policy." "
	ROWING Rowing Canada Aviron	The goals of the Adaptive Rowing Committee are to promote and encourage participation in adaptive rowing in Canada by increasing general awareness and by acting as an information resource. The committee is working on a program and training manual for adaptive rowing, and is in discussions with various Canadian rowing companies to develop any equipment modifications to support disabilities.
	SAILING Canadian Yachting Association	The national authority for sailing in Canada. "The Association is dedicated to promoting the sport of sailing and represents the interests of the majority of sailors in Canada."
	SHOOTING Shooting Federation de Tir Canada	Canada's national sport governing body for shooting.
	SKIING Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing	Canada's governing body for skiing for athletes with a disability. CADS supports both recreational and high-performance programs in alpine and cross-country skiing.
	SWIMMING Swimming Canada	The governing body of competitive swimming in Canada. Our mission statement is: "To provide opportunities for every individual in the sport of swimming to reach his or her maximum potential in fitness and excellence."
	TABLE TENNIS Canadian Table Tennis Association	The Canadian national sport governing body for table tennis.
	TENNIS Tennis Canada	The sport governing body of tennis in Canada. Tennis Canada operates programs and events for tennis players of all ages and ability levels. "Tennis Canada is committed to the advancement of tennis in Canada by stimulating participation and excellence in the sport at the local, national, and international levels."
	TRIATHLON Triathlon Canada	Triathlon Canada is the National Federation for the sports of Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquathlon in Canada and is responsible for administering all aspects of these sports. Triathlon Canada is very supportive of athletes with a disability and has mechanisms in place to ensure opportunities for these athletes to compete at the international, national, provincial and local levels.
	VOLLEYBALL Volleyball Canada	The national sport governing body for volleyball and beach volleyball in Canada. "Volleyball Canada shall promote and develop the sport of volleyball and beach volleyball for all Canadians."
	WATER SKI Water Ski Canada	The national sport governing body for water skiing in Canada. "Water Ski Canada is a non-profit organization. It is the sole national sport governing body and recognized water skiing / wakeboard authority in Canada."

NAME	INTERNATIONAL SITES	DESCRIPTION
	INTERNATIONAL WHEELCHAIR RUGBY FEDERATION (IWRF)	The official site of the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation. This site contains some solid background and technical information on the sport.
	ARGENTINA Quad Rugby Argentina	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in Argentina.
	AUSTRALIA Wheelchair Rugby Australia	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in Australia. Australia is ranked #2 in the world by the IWRF. They now have a new athlete forum.
	AUSTRIA ...	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in Austria. Austria is ranked #14 in the world by the IWRF.
	BRAZIL Brazilian Wheelchair Rugby Association	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in Brazil. The "Associação Brasileira de Rúgbi em Cadeira de Rodas" (ABRC) was formed in 2008 and now has clubs operating in Santa Catarina, São Paulo and Campinas. The Brazilians are ranked 23rd in the world.
	CZECH REPUBLIC Wheelchair Rugby Czech Republic	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in the Czech Republic. The Czech Repulic is ranked 17th in the world and 12th in Europe by the IWRF. Their site features content in both Czech and English.
	DENMARK Quad Rugby Denmark	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in Denmark. Denmark is ranked #15 in the world by the IWRF.
	FINLAND Pyörätuolirugby	This site, which is in Finnish only, contains information about the Finnish wheelchair rugby league and their national team, which is currently ranked 11th in the world by the IWRF. Additional information can be found on the main page of the Finnish Association of Sports for the Disabled, which is the main organization for 20 different disabled sports within Finland.
	GERMANY Wheelchair-Rugby Germany	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in Germany. They are ranked #6 in the world by the IWRF, and #2 in Europe.
	GREAT BRITAIN Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in GREAT BRITAIN. GB is ranked #4 in the world by the IWRF. The British Team is the reigning back-to-back European Champions.
	IRELAND Gaelic Warriors Wheelchair Rugby	The Gaelic Warriors are the only wheelchair rugby team in Ireland. Although a substantial amount of their training is done in Dublin, players come from all over the country to play and train with the team. The Irish National Team is ranked #17 in the world by the IWRF.
	JAPAN Japan Wheelchair Rugby Federation	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in Japan. Japan is ranked #5 in the world by the IWRF.
	THE NETHERLANDS Dutch Quad Rugby Association	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in the Netherlands, which is ranked #12 in the world according to the latest IWRF ranking.
	NEW ZEALAND New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby Association	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in New Zealand, the world's #1 ranked team as of the latest available IWRF international ranking.
	POLAND Polish Wheelchair Rugby Association	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in Poland. The Poles are ranked #15 in the world by the IWRF, and won a pre-worlds competition in Sweden in 2002 that was designed for countries that had not qualified for the 12-country World Championship.
	SOUTH AFRICA Wheelchair Rugby South Africa	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in South Africa, which is currently ranked 18th in the world by the IWRF.
	SWEDEN Swedish Wheelchair Rugby	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in Sweden. The Swedes, who had been ranked at high as 5th in 2002, are now ranked 7th by the IWRF.
	SWITZERLAND Swiss Quad Rugby	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in Switzerland. The Swiss are 11th best team in the world and the 6th best team in Europe on the latest IWRF ranking.
	UNITED STATES UNITED STATES Quad Rugby Association	The national sport governing body for wheelchair rugby in the USA. The US are ranked 3rd in the world by the IWRF, and won the bronze medal at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens.

A list of postal addresses and contact information for these organizations is also available. If none of these organizations seems to fit your need, please contact us and we will be happy to help you find what you need.