Region reports $25,500 legacy from wheelchair basketball nationals; $157,500 local impact

Durham Region says the May 23–25 Wheelchair Basketball Canada National Championships at the Durham College and Ontario Tech University campus in Oshawa generated $25,500 for the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Opportunities Fund and an estimated $157,500 in local economic activity.

The Opportunities Fund supports parasport participation across Durham. The legacy contribution stems from the national event and will be used for programs tied to recent multi-sport events and community initiatives, according to the Region’s announcement.

The championships were hosted by the Ontario Para Network, Wheelchair Basketball Canada and Sport Durham. Team Ontario won the men’s national title and Team Quebec won the women’s division.

Off the court, the event included youth “Try It” sessions introducing wheelchair basketball to young athletes. A research collaboration with the University of Ottawa and Western University focused on awareness, recruitment and retention in parasport. The Girls Enabled And Ready (G.E.A.R.) to Play program offered women and girls of all ages the chance to experience wheelchair basketball.

Youth also took part in ceremonies, including two local players delivering the game ball and a ceremonial tip-off led by local Paralympian Mike Frogley.

The Opportunities Fund launched in September 2024 alongside the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Legacy Fund as a lasting outcome of the 2023 Ontario Parasport Games hosted in the region. Since launch, nearly $23,000 has been granted to local organizations.

Regional Chair John Henry said he was “thrilled” with the $25,500 in legacy funds and said the support strengthens the Opportunities Fund. Organizing committee co-chair Anthony Lue, a para athlete, called the national competition a success and credited the volunteer committee. Co-chair Don Terry said the committee was led by people with disabilities.

The Region did not provide a breakdown of how the $157,500 local economic impact was calculated.