First Ever National Capital High School Wheelchair Basketball Tournament

The first ever National Capital High School Wheelchair Basketball Tournament took place on Friday, June 3rd, at Carleton University. This tournament showed so much talent and sportsmanship from the seven schools that participated in the event by bringing students of all abilities together to play wheelchair basketball.

This tournament was an idea our own Athletic Director Ms. Talbot had and she worked with many people to make the event happen. “I had the idea last summer and then spoke to Emily Glossop of Ability Centre Ottawa to see if we could partner to make this happen. And we did. Emily worked tirelessly to help make this a reality. There were many partners involved in making this tournament happen: Emily from Ability Centre Ottawa, the Ottawa Carleton Wheelchair Basketball Association, Carleton University, Wheelchair Basketball Canada.”

I have been participating in para-sports and adapted activities all of my life and I have to say this was the most fun I have ever had being part of a school team. Everyone was so nice and we worked hard together as a team.

The games were fast, competitive, full of energy and a lot of fun - even when we had to stop and tape our hand blisters! Meeting other players, listening to music and silly props at the photobooth kept students entertained throughout the day.

Congrats to West Carleton HS for the win in the gold medal round. They will get the bragging rights and will display the trophy at their school until next year's tournament.

When I asked the coaches about how they felt about our Bulldogs, here is what they said:

“It was a really great opportunity, and I was grateful that I would be part of the first ever National Capital High School Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. It was a lot of fun. It was nice to see athletes getting to know each other, working hard, having fun and learning together. It was nice to get to know some JMSS students who I haven't met before.” - Mrs. O’Grady

“It is always a pleasure to coach student athletes who are representing John McCrae. Our wheelchair basketball team displayed many qualities of being good sports that we strive for at JMSS and I was proud of their positivity and spirit at the event! From my perspective the tournament was a great success! This year was the first time that a high school wheelchair basketball tournament has been run in Ottawa and it appeared as though everyone participating was having a great time. It is really nice to see a para sport like wheelchair basketball being enjoyed by such a large group of diverse individuals. I am hoping that the tournament will only continue to grow in size and popularity as it moves forward!” - Mr. Dale

“I think the tournament went well. The student athletes played hard and there was some awesome wheelchair basketball being played.” - Ms. Talbot

Check out the following document for more comments: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VLK3XUZTiJanLsecXzCI43VhoncMoP9gXCv3oRxwoSw/edit?usp=sharing

Our Bulldogs did a great job and I think we have a good chance of displaying this trophy next year! See our results listed, they were close!

FAQs about wheelchair basketball

Do you still need to dribble the basketball?

Yes. You can bounce the ball when wheeling your chair, but if you pick up the ball and put it on your lap you are allowed two pushes on the chair and then you have to shoot, dribble or pass the ball.

Do you have to have a disability to play wheelchair basketball?

No. It is a very inclusive sport. You do not need to have experience or a disability to play.

Will there be another High School Wheelchair Basketball Tournament next year?

Ms. Talbot stated that her Athletic Leadership class reviewed the event and it sounds like the tournament will be bigger and better next year!

“Absolutely, there will be a tournament next year!” - Ms. Talbot.