Hansen, 56, is one of the best known names in Canadian sport, most famous for the "Man In Motion World Tour" when in 1985 he set off on a 26-month trek, logging more than 40,000 kilometres through 34 countries on four continents before returning to Canada after raising $26 million (£17 million/€20 million) for chairty. 

The World Championships, the biggest international women's wheelchair basketball tournament in history, is due to take palce in the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto between June 20 and 28 next year. 

"Wheelchair basketball has been a big part of my life," said Hansen, who was left paralysed from the waist down after being involved in a motor accident when he was 15.

"The World Championships were defining moments in my career as an athlete, and helped to shape my training, endurance, and ultimately, the success of the 'Man In Motion World Tour'.

"The legacy of what was achieved through sports continues today through the Rick Hansen Foundation.

"I am extremely proud to be part of the 2014 WWWBC; all participants have achieved true excellence in their passion for athletics.

"Together, we are building legacies for the future, to show the world the possibilities of sport, inclusivity, and accessibility."


For the first time ever the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation's tournament will feature 12 countries spanning all four international zones.

Due to the ongoing growth and prosperity of wheelchair basketball worldwide, the women's tournament will be held separately from the men's competition for the first time since 1994 and the event is predicted to boost the Ontario economy by $4 million (£2.5 million/€3 million).

"The 2014 Women's World Championship is a milestone event that celebrates the ongoing growth of women's sport, inclusivity and accessibility and will forge a legacy for female wheelchair basketball athletes in Canada and around the world," said Tournament Director Wendy Gittens.

Team Canada will be chasing an unprecedented seventh straight podium performance, remarkably, having medalled at every single World Championship including the capture of four consecutive gold medals in 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006, and bronze medals in 1990 and 2010.

"Hosting international competitions is a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to witness the thrill of high-level Paralympic sport while inspiring the next generation to get involved," said Gaétan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

"The 2014 Women's World Wheelchair Basketball Championship will be the perfect springboard to continue to build excitement for the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games."

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