The Women Behind Wheelchair Rugby in New Brunswick
April 16, 2026
Wheelchair rugby is growing in New Brunswick, in large part thanks to three women who are helping push it forward.
Meet Ellen, Jaimie, and Sally: three women dedicated to growing the game.
Parasport NB recently hosted the province’s first-ever wheelchair rugby tournament, the Maddog Memorial. The event brought together four teams, including the national women’s development team, the Northern Lights, marking a big step forward for wheelchair rugby in the province. The tournament was also held in memory of Hal Merrill, a pioneer in the sport.
Learn more about these three women and the incredible work they’re doing in our full story below.
Ellen Doria – Athlete
How does it feel to be part of the first wheelchair rugby tournament in NB?
I’m so incredibly thankful to participate in this memorial tournament honouring my friend and mentor, Hal Merrill. It’s exciting to see New Brunswick host its first wheelchair rugby event, and even more special to celebrate the community and legacy Hal helped build and that we all love.
How has your experience been with the Northern Lights so far?
I’ve had such a positive experience! The team brings amazing energy and attitude, and it’s always a pleasure learning from and alongside fellow Canadian women in wheelchair rugby.
What does being a woman representing the sport at this level mean to you?
It means so much to represent wheelchair rugby as a woman at both the recreational level and in higher performance. I’m proud to help grow the game, challenge perceptions, and show that women belong and thrive in this sport at every level.
Jaimie Randall – Team Manager
What does hosting a tournament like this say about the growth of wheelchair rugby in the province?
Hosting a tournament like this shows that wheelchair rugby in New Brunswick isn’t just growing — it’s thriving. The Maddog Memorial honours Hal Merrill, who was the backbone of wheelchair rugby in the Maritimes. He laid the foundation that we are continuing to build upon. Our program would not be where it is today without his effort and dedication.
More than that, it sends a message to the community and to aspiring athletes that this sport matters here, that opportunities exist, and that New Brunswick is becoming a true home for wheelchair rugby.
Why is it important to host high-calibre tournaments in NB?
This tournament is important on so many levels. Firstly, it gives our athletes real high-level game play opportunities that historically haven’t been available on the East Coast. Secondly, it raises public awareness about parasport in New Brunswick, not just for those already involved, but for the entire community — showing everyone the opportunities and excitement this sport offers.
What impact do you hope this tournament has on the future of wheelchair rugby?
This tournament is only the start for wheelchair rugby in NB! From a management standpoint, this tournament is about building something bigger than a single event. We want it to spark momentum — to inspire new athletes, strengthen our programs, and prove that New Brunswick belongs on the national stage. Ultimately, I hope it leaves a legacy of growth, visibility, and opportunity for the next generation of athletes.
Sally Chamberlain – Executive Director
How has wheelchair rugby progressed in NB? What factors have led to its growth?
Wheelchair rugby in New Brunswick has grown significantly over the years, and a big part of that success comes down to the people involved. We’ve been very fortunate to have a core group of athletes who have been with the program since the early days and built a solid foundation. Their knowledge of the game, their leadership, and their willingness to mentor newer athletes, volunteers and staff have built a strong and supportive community around the sport. That consistency has allowed us not only to grow our athlete pool, but also to expand our coaching and support staff.
Parasport NB is committed to an athlete-centred approach, meeting people where they’re at to support their pathway into parasports. Creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and supported has been key to keeping athletes engaged and helping them grow within the sport. Wheelchair rugby also represents something deeper than just the sport itself; it’s a community. It’s a positive environment designed by and for athletes with disabilities. Many of the athletes share similar lived experiences, which organically creates a space where people truly understand one another. Wheelchair rugby is a place where athletes can connect and support each other both on and off the court. That sense of belonging, often referred to as the wheelchair rugby family, is a big reason people stay involved in the sport and continues to grow.
We’ve also made a real effort to focus on athlete recruitment through initiatives like our Summer Roadshow, Have-a-Go Days, and programs through the Stan Cassidy. Additionally, hosting the 2023 National Championships and the 2026 Maddog Memorial were major milestones that helped raise awareness, membership and excitement around wheelchair rugby.
Lastly, we have worked to make wheelchair rugby more accessible through grants and financial support. We know barriers to parasport are extensive, including transportation, equipment, and financial costs. Our goal is to remove as many barriers to participation as possible, as even an entry-level rugby chair ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. Parasport NB believes that everybody should have the opportunity to experience parasport and that it has the power to change lives.
Why is it important for women to be at the forefront of growing the game?
Women’s involvement is critical to ensure all women with disabilities feel safe and supported to try the sport. Not all women are attracted to a full-contact sport, especially co-ed, but it is so much more than that! NB is proud to have a female coach, manager and staff that ensures all women who come out have a positive experience and are welcomed to the squad.
I have been involved in women’s wheelchair rugby development for 3 years, and it is the most powerful movement that I have been involved with. In a sport that is already incredibly supportive, we now have women supporting women, which enhances the power of the wheelchair rugby community. It’s built connections with women around the world, all striving toward the same goals: getting more women playing and getting the women’s game into the Paralympics. Canada has led much of this initiative by participating in the 2023 Women’s Cup, sending the first-ever women’s team to a co-ed event, hosting a 2026 Women’s Wheelchair Rugby National Championship and will participate in the first-ever Women’s World Championships in December. These are all critical pieces of the competition pathway to include the women’s wheelchair rugby game in the Paralympics.
Parasport NB is proud and excited to work with Wheelchair Rugby Canada to support the female athletes, coaches and staff from our province in being part of this global movement. We’ve had two females receive the Women in Leadership Development Fund from Wheelchair Rugby Canada, which has provided them with new opportunities to continue to grow in their roles. We are committed to supporting the women in our program at all levels of the game.
We know everyone watches women’s sport, and everybody will fall in love with women’s wheelchair rugby once we have the platform to showcase and watch it!