The anticipation for the 2026 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships to begin is at a fever pitch, but what about the long journey to create an inclusive and accessible environment for players and fans visiting Ottawa? Kelly MacDonald finds out how the city has been preparing. Wendy Gittens, CEO of Wheelchair Basketball Canada, guides us through the steps it took to get here, demonstrating what athletes can expect in September, right from their landing in the city. Wheelchair Basketball National Team Athlete Nikola Goncin doesn’t mince words, expressing what he is hoping for regarding accessibility at this important and impactful competition. Catherine Callary, Vice President of Destination Development with Ottawa Tourism, shares the wider scope of how the city anticipates the traction that comes with this event. Mark DeBruyn, Director of Campus and Community Recreation with Carleton University, tells us about the smaller of the two sporting venues being used. Julia Weagle, Senior Manager of Guest Experience with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment, describes the larger of the two playing spaces as she speaks to the player and guest experience at TD Place. And Founder of the Ottawa Basketball Network Leo Doyle sums up the full circle of this legacy project.
The anticipation for the 2026 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships to begin is at a fever pitch, but what about the long journey to create an inclusive and accessible environment for players and fans visiting Ottawa? Kelly MacDonald finds out how the city has been preparing.
Wendy Gittens, CEO of Wheelchair Basketball Canada, guides us through the steps it took to get here, demonstrating what athletes can expect in September, right from their landing in the city.
Wheelchair Basketball National Team Athlete Nikola Goncin doesn’t mince words, expressing what he is hoping for regarding accessibility at this important and impactful competition.
Catherine Callary, Vice President of Destination Development with Ottawa Tourism, shares the wider scope of how the city anticipates the traction that comes with this event.
Mark DeBruyn, Director of Campus and Community Recreation with Carleton University, tells us about the smaller of the two sporting venues being used.
Julia Weagle, Senior Manager of Guest Experience with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment, describes the larger of the two playing spaces as she speaks to the player and guest experience at TD Place.
And Founder of the Ottawa Basketball Network Leo Doyle sums up the full circle of this legacy project.