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Basketball Manitoba is pleased to announce its Wheelchair Basketball Schools Program, following the recent integration of Basketball Manitoba and Wheelchair Basketball operations.
The program is a school-based experience designed to raise awareness, build understanding, and generate excitement for wheelchair basketball across Manitoba. The program provides students with a meaningful, hands-on introduction to the sport while reinforcing inclusion, teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship.
Participating schools host a wheelchair basketball experience delivered during regular physical education classes or designated lunch periods. Basketball Manitoba supplies and delivers all required equipment, including sport wheelchairs, ensuring the program is fully accessible and delivered to a high standard with minimal logistical burden on schools.
The program is supported and launched by Joey Johnson, who plays a key role in introducing the sport to students and staff.
About Joey Johnson
Joey Johnson (pictured above, centre) is one of the most accomplished wheelchair basketball athletes in the world and a proud Manitoba product. A graduate of Lorette Collegiate, Joey was diagnosed at age eight with a degenerative hip disease that prevented him from participating in able-bodied sports. That challenge opened the door to wheelchair basketball, where he went on to build an elite international career.
Joey attended the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, earning All-American honours and leading his team to three National Championships in the late 1990s. Internationally, he represented Canada at five Paralympic Games, 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.
At the provincial level, Joey represented Manitoba at the club and provincial team levels for 19 consecutive years. Professionally, he competed in Australia and across Europe, winning numerous international titles and serving as both a player and player-coach.
In recognition of his impact on the sport, Joey has been inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame (2013), the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame (2016), and the Canada Basketball Hall of Fame (2023). He continues to be a powerful role model and advocate for inclusive sport and athlete development. Learn more about Joey on the Basketball Manitoiba Podcast...
Program Logistics and Pricing
Program length options:
- Single-day delivery
- Full five-day school week
Cost:
- $200 per day
- $500 for the full week
- Includes delivery and use of all sport wheelchairs
Equipment:
- All sport wheelchairs are provided by Basketball Manitoba
- Basketballs and basic court equipment included
Scheduling:
- Delivered during Phys Ed classes and/or lunch periods
- Flexible scheduling to align with school timetables
- This opportunity is available throughout the school year
- Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Space requirements:
- Standard school gymnasium
- No permanent modifications required
Supervision:
- Basketball Manitoba staff lead instruction (optional)
- Teachers remain present for class supervision
Video overview
An introductory video is embedded with this program page and provides an overview of wheelchair basketball and how the program operates in schools. The video explains:
- How wheelchair basketball compares to stand-up basketball
- Key differences between sport wheelchairs and everyday wheelchairs
- Why wheel camber, stability wheels, and chair design matter
- How the sport emphasizes agility, speed, balance, and teamwork
- What students can expect during a typical school session
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Do students need any prior basketball experience?
No. The program is designed for all skill levels and focuses on participation, learning, and fun.
2. Do students need to have a disability to participate?
No. The program is inclusive and designed for all students.
3. How many students can participate at one time?
Class sizes are flexible and can be adapted to standard Phys Ed class numbers.
4. Is the program safe for students?
Yes. Activities are age-appropriate and delivered using sport-specific wheelchairs designed for stability and safety.
5. What does the school need to provide?
A gym space and regular class supervision. All equipment is supplied by Basketball Manitoba.
6. Is the program curriculum-friendly?
Yes. It aligns well with Physical Education outcomes related to movement skills, teamwork, and inclusion.
7. How long is each session?
Session length is flexible and typically aligns with standard class or lunch periods.
8. Is there a minimum or maximum booking requirement?
Schools may book a single day or the full week. The full-week option offers the best value and continuity.
9. Can this program support school inclusion or accessibility initiatives?
Yes, the program is a strong fit for inclusion, accessibility, and diversity-focused programming.
For bookings, questions, or scheduling, please contact:
Joey Johnson
204-925-5775 ext 4