Basketball Manitoba has announced the formal merger of Manitoba's wheelchair basketball operations with its provincial basketball programming, effective November 20, 2025. This transition brings all wheelchair basketball activity under one coordinated delivery model to strengthen athlete development, coaching pathways, event operations, and long-term system sustainability across the province.
As part of the merger, Basketball Manitoba has hired Joey Johnson, who will assume the role of Manager of Wheelchair and 3x3 Basketball Operations, with wheelchair basketball serving as the primary focus of the position. Johnson will oversee the provincial wheelchair basketball system, including grassroots integration, technical direction, coach development, program administration, and preparation for the 2027 Canada Winter Games. Management of 3x3 basketball programming will be a new responsibility.
Joey is a native Manitoban who graduated from Lorette Collegiate. At 8 years of age, he was diagnosed with a degenerative hip disease, which closed the doors to any able-bodied sports. This disability created a pathway for him into wheelchair basketball, where he rose to become one of the best players in the world.
He attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he was selected an All-American and led his team to three National Championships in the late 1990s.
Joey's greatest success came on the international stage, competing in five Paralympic Games and winning Gold Medals in 2000, 2004, and 2012, along with a Silver Medal in 2008. He also captured Gold at the 2006 World Championships and the 1997 Junior World Championships. He represented Manitoba at the club and provincial levels for 19 consecutive years.
Professionally, Joey played in Australia before moving to Europe, where he won numerous international titles. He was a member of the 2004 Paralympic team, which was selected as the Male Sport Team of the Year at the Canadian Sport Awards.
Throughout his career, Joey has served as a player-coach on many teams and has become a tremendous role model for young athletes with disabilities. In recognition of his outstanding playing career, he was inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Canada Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
Basketball Manitoba acknowledges the vital role that the Manitoba Wheelchair Sports Association and its leadership have played in the development of wheelchair sport in the province. Basketball Manitoba extends its appreciation to outgoing MWSA President Trevor Johnson for his long-standing support, noting that his leadership has been crucial to this transition. As part of these changes, Trevor will be joining the Basketball Manitoba Board of Directors.
Trevor Johnson, Former President of the MWSA and new Basketball Manitoba Board Member commented:
“Wheelchair basketball has always been rooted in community, opportunity, and resilience. MWSA deserves credit for building a strong foundation over many years. This merger is an important step that will help the sport grow with the structure and support it needs. Thank you to Adam Wedlake and Basketball Manitoba for recognizing the potential here and committing to it. I have full confidence in Joey’s leadership and vision and look forward to supporting Basketball Manitoba as it strengthens and expands wheelchair basketball across the province.”
Adam Wedlake, Executive Director of Basketball Manitoba, commented:
"Wheelchair basketball has a long and meaningful place in Manitoba's sport landscape, and this merger brings together the resources needed to strengthen its future. Joey is a leader whose experience, credibility, and community connections will help this program reach a new level. We are grateful to Trevor Johnson and the MWSA for the many years they have invested in building a strong foundation for wheelchair basketball in Manitoba."
Joey Johnson added:
"I am honoured to take on this role and to help unify the wheelchair basketball pathway in Manitoba. The sport has shaped my life, and I look forward to working with athletes, coaches, families, and community partners to support the next generation. I also want to acknowledge Trevor Johnson and MWSA for their dedication to the sport and their continued involvement through this transition."
Joey can be contacted at joey@basketballmanitoba.ca or 204-925-5775 ext 4.
For more information, contact Basketball Manitoba at adam@basketballmanitoba.ca.
Learn more about Joey on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast...