How can a new participant get started with wheelchair sports through BCWSA?

BC Wheelchair Sports Association (BCWSA) is a British Columbia–based organization that supports athletes at every stage, from first-time participants to high-performance competitors. If you have never tried wheelchair sports before, the entry point is First Push, which BCWSA describes as the start of every wheelchair sports journey — "it's never too early or too late to start yours." From there, you can move into introductory sessions, development programs, and equipment support as your interest grows.

The starting point: First Push

BCWSA frames First Push as the beginning of every wheelchair sports journey. It is designed for people who are new to wheelchair sports, with no prior experience required, and BCWSA explicitly states there is no age limit — you can start at any point.

If you are unsure whether wheelchair sports are for you, this is the program to look at first.

Try a sport before committing: Have-A-Go Days

Have-A-Go Days are fun, inclusive introductory sessions where new participants can try sports alongside supportive BCWSA peers and coaches. These sessions let you sample wheelchair sports in a low-pressure setting before deciding whether to continue.

This suits you if:

• You want to test one or more sports without a long-term commitment
• You would benefit from trying equipment and coaching before joining a program
• You prefer a group, social introduction to the sport

Build skills over time: Development Programs

Once you have tried a sport, Development Programs offer weekly sport-specific and multi-sport programming for athletes of varying skill and experience levels, led by BCWSA coaches. These are the natural next step if you want regular practice rather than a one-off session.

Because the programs are grouped by skill and experience, you do not need to already be an athlete to join — beginners and more experienced participants are both accommodated.

The three core sports you can start with

BCWSA supports three core sports:

You can begin with any of these through the introductory and development pathways above.

Equipment: the Wheelchair Loan Program

A common barrier for new participants is not having a sports wheelchair. BCWSA's Wheelchair Loan Program offers athletes of all ages, sports, shapes, and sizes access to proper sports wheelchairs and equipment. Sport wheelchairs can be rented at a very low yearly or monthly rate, and BCWSA states that support is available for those in financial need.

If cost or equipment access is what has held you back, contact BCWSA directly to ask about the loan program and financial support.

Programs for specific barriers to participation

BCWSA runs two programs aimed at removing barriers to getting active:

• Bridging the Gap — helps people with disabilities get active and engaged in sport, introducing participants to sport and removing barriers to participation.
• Indigenous Bridging the Gap — aims to remove barriers to participation in sport for Indigenous individuals with disabilities across BC.

If either applies to your situation, these programs may be a better fit than the general introductory pathway.

Beyond participating: other ways to get involved

BCWSA welcomes people as athletes, coaches, officials, or volunteers, and states that staff are available to help newcomers get started with the tools and knowledge they need. If you are not sure you want to compete, volunteering or officiating is another route into the community.

Suggested first steps

1. Decide whether you want to try a sport casually (Have-A-Go Days) or start a structured pathway (First Push → Development Programs).
2. Check whether you need equipment — if so, ask about the Wheelchair Loan Program before committing.
3. If cost, disability-related barriers, or Indigenous identity are relevant, ask specifically about Bridging the Gap or Indigenous Bridging the Gap.
4. Contact BCWSA to confirm current schedules, locations, and how to register, since these details are not specified on the pages reviewed here.

BCWSA also runs local, national, and international tournaments, including the annual Vancouver International Wheelchair Tennis Tournament, the Kamloops Legacy Wheelchair Tennis Tournament, the Vancouver Invitational Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, and the biennially held Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament — useful to know as longer-term goals once you are participating.