What is BC Wheelchair Sports Association?

Updated

BC Wheelchair Sports Association (BCWSA) is a provincial organization in British Columbia that supports people at every stage of wheelchair sport — from first-time participants to high-performance athletes representing BC or Canada. It runs introductory programs, development training, wheelchair loans, and tournaments across three core sports: Wheelchair Athletics (wheelchair racing and seated throws), Wheelchair Tennis, and Wheelchair Rugby. If you're looking to try a wheelchair sport, borrow equipment, train, compete, or get involved as a coach, official, or volunteer, this is the organization to start with.

What BCWSA does

BCWSA describes its role as offering "a range of programs, events, and supports for athletes at every stage of their journey." That spans two ends of the spectrum:

  • Getting started — introductory sessions and equipment access for new participants.
  • High performance — support for athletes and teams competing at national and international levels.

The organization frames entry simply: "Every wheelchair sports journey starts with a First Push. It's never too early or too late to start yours!"

Programs by stage

Program Who it's for What it provides
Have-A-Go Days New participants Fun, inclusive introductory sessions to try sports with supportive BCWSA peers and coaches
Development Programs Athletes of varying skill and experience Weekly sport-specific and multi-sport programming led by BCWSA coaches
Bridging the Gap People with disabilities Helps participants get active and engaged in sport, and removes barriers to participation
Indigenous Bridging the Gap Indigenous individuals with disabilities across BC Aims to remove barriers to sport participation
High-Performance Program High-performance athletes and teams Supports athletes representing BC and/or Canada in national and international competitions
Wheelchair Loan Program Athletes of all ages, sports, shapes, and sizes Access to proper sports wheelchairs and equipment

Wheelchair loans and cost barriers

BCWSA states it doesn't want financial barriers to leave anyone on the sidelines. Through its Wheelchair Loan Program, sport wheelchairs can be rented at a very low yearly or monthly rate, and support is available for those in financial need. The site directs interested people to contact BCWSA directly — it does not publish specific rates, so you'll need to reach out for current pricing and availability.

Sports and tournaments

BCWSA has three core sports:

  • Wheelchair Athletics — wheelchair racing and seated throws
  • Wheelchair Tennis
  • Wheelchair Rugby

It also runs local, national, and international tournaments, including:

  • Vancouver International Wheelchair Tennis Tournament (annual)
  • Kamloops Legacy Wheelchair Tennis Tournament
  • Vancouver Invitational Wheelchair Rugby Tournament
  • Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament (held biennially)

Getting involved

BCWSA welcomes people as athletes, coaches, officials, or volunteers. The site says staff are available to welcome newcomers to the wheelchair sports community and provide the tools and knowledge to get started. If you're unsure where you fit, the Have-A-Go Days and the contact route are the most direct entry points.

Who this site is for

  • New participants wanting to try a wheelchair sport or borrow a chair.
  • Current athletes looking for weekly development programming.
  • High-performance athletes seeking competition and training support.
  • Indigenous individuals with disabilities in BC looking for barrier-free sport access.
  • Coaches, officials, and volunteers wanting to join the community.

If your interest falls outside wheelchair athletics, tennis, or rugby — or outside British Columbia — BCWSA's programs may not be the right fit, though its tournament listings include international events.