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The two Paralympians came to the Kinesiology 255 - Adapted Sport and Physical Activity class to discuss their journeys to Canada’s national team, as well as discuss concepts related to disability identity, integration, and athlete pathways in parasport. Later in the week, they brought their rugby skills to the court and showed students how to operate a rugby chair and some basic concepts of the sport, before giving students the chance to play some real games.

“We are very grateful to both Zak and Byron for fitting this into their busy schedules,” says Simon Cass, Kinesiology Instructor. “At the time, they were preparing for the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup in France, where they just secured a silver medal for Canada!  Zak was named the game MVP for each of Canada’s victories.”

Wheelchair Rugby, formerly called Murderball (also the name of a well-known BBC documentary based on the sport) is a Paralympic sport primarily played by quadriplegics. It has its roots in Canada, being invented in a rehabilitation hospital in Winnipeg. The Canadian team has enjoyed great success in international competition and is a world leader in all levels of the sport.

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