Access West Shore Society is proud to celebrate National AccessAbility Week 2026, recognizing this year’s theme:
“Building a Strong, Accessible Canada.” The week highlights the importance of collaboration among governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals to remove barriers and create a truly inclusive and equitable society.
Significant progress has been made across Canada to improve accessibility, and continued collective action is key to ensuring that persons with disabilities can participate fully in all areas of life. A stronger Canada is one where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive.
To mark the occasion, Access West Shore Society invites the community to attend a
Slam Dunk Wheelchair Basketball Event:
- Date: June 4, 2026
- Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.; participants encouraged to arrive by 6:15 p.m.)
- Location: Spencer Middle School Gym, 1026 Goldstream Avenue
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Free on-site
This inclusive event is open to everyone—whether you want to play, learn, watch, or cheer. Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and come ready to have fun. There is still space available for anyone interested in trying wheelchair basketball.
Special thanks go to Simon Kass and the Victoria Wheelchair Sports Club, who have generously donated the use of sport wheelchairs and will guide participants through basic chair movement and safety instruction before the games begin. After that—it’s Game On!
Attendees will also gain an appreciation for the sport’s rich history:
- Wheelchair basketball began informally in 1946, played by physically disabled World War II veterans.
- It became one of the original eight sports at the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960.
- Women’s wheelchair basketball was later introduced at the 1968 Paralympic Games in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Participants can engage at their own pace—whether playing the full game, taking breaks as needed, or simply observing before joining in. Extra chairs will be available for those who decide to try the sport during the event.
“Events like this bring our community together and showcase what accessibility and inclusion look like in action,” said Marnie Essery, President of Access West Shore Society. “We welcome everyone to join us in celebrating National AccessAbility Week and experiencing the excitement of wheelchair basketball.”
About Access West Shore Society
Access West Shore Society is dedicated to promoting accessibility, inclusion, and equal participation for people of all abilities within the West Shore community.