Northern Lights Women's Development Program

I found Wheelchair Rugby at a time when sport had lost the element of fun and the belief that hard work and determination was enough to achieve your dreams. 

The very first time I walked into the gym I knew I had found a place that was different, special somehow.  These people SAW ME, they wanted to help me learn, support me on and off the court, see me thrive. They invited me into a community that was built on mutual respect, communication and friendship.  This was something that was foreign to me.  Something I had never had so didn't quite understand. 

 I have come to love this space, this feeling of acceptance and have found a confidence in myself and a renewed love and joy for sport all because I took a chance that day.  

I've been given many opportunities through Wheelchair Rugby to introduce this sport to children and young adults through community outreach and demonstration events.  It's such a honour to give back to others what I've been given and see them having fun, engaging in social activities and knowing that they also have communities that support them to reach their goals, socially, emotionally and physically.  

This sport was originally named Murderball.  If you have ever watched it you will understand why.  It's fast, aggressive, everyone is passionate and dedicated to their success and they leave everything they have on the court.  The game has always been male dominated with a handful of female players, and is a co-ed sport.  It makes for some major excitement and incredibly strong female athletes.  

Women remain underrepresented in the sport, despite growing interest and momentum worldwide. World Wheelchair Rugby has publicly called for the creation of a women’s division at the Paralympic Games, making this a pivotal moment to invest in the future of the sport and gender equity at the international level. We are helping lead that change. By creating training and competition opportunities across the country, the program brings women together to train, compete, and develop at a high level.

The Northern Lights Women’s Development Program is a volunteer-led initiative, delivered in collaboration with Wheelchair Rugby Canada, dedicated to growing participation and elevating the visibility of women in wheelchair rugby.

In 2025, the Northern Lights made history at the Rugbymania tournament in Prague, becoming the first all-female team to compete in an international mixed-gender wheelchair rugby competition. Building on that momentum, the program has continued to advocate for greater opportunities, contributing to the creation of the first-ever Women’s Wheelchair Rugby National Championships.

This progress has led to another historic milestone: the first Women’s Wheelchair Rugby World Championships, taking place in Paris this December. The Northern Lights are now fundraising to support athletes and staff as they prepare for and compete on the world stage. 

My goal has always been to represent Canada on the World Stage.  I have had the privilege before and it is the ultimate experience.  To have the chance to do that in my Rugby Chair surrounded by these incredible women would be the chance of a life time and a career highlight.  

Your support helps make all of this possible. Donations directly fund athlete development, training camps, travel, and competition opportunities, ensuring more women have the chance to participate and excel in wheelchair rugby.

Be part of this movement. Help us continue to break barriers, create opportunities, and represent Canada at this landmark moment for women’s wheelchair rugby.