The provincial government has announced funding to bring the 2018 Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby tournament to B.C. from June 14 to 17, 2018.

“We are proud to support the Canada Cup Wheelchair Rugby tournament and welcome some of the best international athletes to B.C.,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. ”As one of the most popular events in wheelchair rugby, this tournament will offer athletes and fans an incredible weekend of fun and action.”

The Province of B.C. is providing $115,000 to the tournament, with $90,000 supplied through the major events hosting program and $25,000 from the Tourism Events Program.

The event is being held in Richmond at the Richmond Olympic Oval, a legacy facility from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Province is pleased to see the legacy of the Games continue to provide opportunities to host major events, such as the 2018 Canada Cup.

“BC Wheelchair Sports is grateful for the Province of British Columbia’s support of the 2018 Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament,” said Gail Hamamoto, executive director, BC Wheelchair Sports and chair of the Canada Cup. “The Canada Cup is a crucial part of Team Canada’s preparation for the World Championships. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the accessibility of British Columbia to the world, and the potential of athletes with disabilities to all British Columbians, encouraging them to live healthy active lifestyles.“

The Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament is the world's most prestigious wheelchair rugby tournament after the World Championships and Paralympics. This year's tournament brings together the world's best teams for four days of fierce competition and vital preparation ahead of the World Championships in Sydney, Australia.

“Congratulations to everyone whose hard work and dedication will bring them to the Richmond Olympic Oval for these four days of competition,” said Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Multiculturalism. “We look forward to welcoming many of the participants from this weekend’s tournament back to B.C. for the 2018 Canada Cup.”

Quick Facts:

• The Vancouver Invitational Wheelchair Rugby Tournament takes place from March 9 to 11, 2018, at the Richmond Olympic Oval. The event includes eight teams and 70 athletes from across Canada and the United States.
• The 2018 Canada Cup and the Vancouver Invitational are hosted by BC Wheelchair Sports Association: www.bcwheelchairsports.com
• The 2018 Canada Cup is an International Wheelchair Rugby Federation-sanctioned event, featuring six of the best national wheelchair rugby teams in the world. The event is an excellent preparation opportunity for Canadian athletes during the lead-up to the 2018 World Championship in Australia. 
• Team Canada is ranked third in the world in wheelchair rugby.

Learn More:

BC Wheelchair Sports Association: www.bcwheelchairsports.com

2018 Canada Cup: www.canadacupwcrugby.com