YORKTON – Wheelchair Rugby Canada is about to do something historic.
The national organization recently announced the roster for the Northern Lights, the country’s Women’s Development Team, as they prepare to make history at RugbyMania 2025 in Prague, Czechia. This tournament will mark the first time an all-women’s team competes in an international mixed-gender wheelchair rugby competition.
On the history making roster is Regina’s Cory Harrower.
“It’s going to be awesome,” she told Yorkton This Week in a recent interview. “I’m really excited to be a part of the team.”
The Prague event will boast two divisions and some 16 teams.
“It’s going to be a huge tournament,” said Harrower.
Harrower said she doesn’t think the women’s team will have too difficult a time in a mixed team environment.
“I think it’s about the same,” she said, adding there is an aggressive side to the sport but even there it shouldn’t be too different.
The team has been readying for Prague too hosting an invitational event in Vancouver as a warm-up, said Harrower, adding the familiarity the team gained in that tourney will be beneficial in terms of team play.
“I think we’ll do very good,” she said.
The Prague-based event which runs Nov. 13 to 15, is being used as a warm-up for the women’s squad ahead of the World Championships in Paris.
“This is a historic moment not only for our athletes but for the sport of wheelchair rugby as a whole,” said Paul Hunter, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Canada in a release. “The Northern Lights represent the dedication, talent, and leadership that is driving gender equity in our sport. We are proud to support them as they compete on the international stage.”
Going up against mixed teams in Prague should push the Canadians to “get faster,” said Harrower, adding that should prove an advantage in Paris.
Harrower has been involved with the wheelchair rugby at the national level for years now, and realizes as a veteran she has to take a leadership role.
“I’ve been playing since 2007,” she said, adding it has been an experience which has literally taken her all over the world representing Canada.
“I’m definitely going to be a veteran on the team,” she said, adding she is looking forward to “sharing my experience and knowledge” not just on the floor, but in how to prepare and be ready when travelling to such events.
The Canadian team “includes trailblazers like Erika Schmutz, a Paralympic bronze medallist and the first woman to score a try in a Paralympic wheelchair rugby match (Beijing, 2008). From the team of 10, five of the athletes represented Canada at the 2023 World Wheelchair Rugby Women’s Cup. They are joined by some fresh faces, including Ellen Doria of New Brunswick, who was the recipient of the Rising Star Award at the 2025 Canadian Wheelchair Rugby National Championships,” noted the national organization release.
