On this episode of Parasport Nation, we sit down with Team Canada wheelchair rugby star Matt Debly to dive into his journey from wheelchair basketball at the 2015 Canada Games to scoring a last-second game-winner at the Americas Championship.

Matt shares the adrenaline-fueled story of how he was recruited into wheelchair rugby, his electrifying debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and how Canada’s underdog mentality fuels their push towards LA 2028. He opens up about playing short-handed at the 2025 Americas Championship, securing a thrilling bronze medal with just eight players, and what that taught him about grit, heart, and team culture.

We also talk about the changing landscape of Canada’s national team, the rise of new talent, and how new head coach Trevor Hirschfield is shaping the squad post-Zach Madell’s retirement. 🏆

Matt reveals his wheelchair rugby Mount Rushmore, including legends like Garrett Hickling and Riley Batt, and takes us behind the scenes of the loudest, most electric venues he’s ever competed in. Plus, he shares his favorite global food destinations from his travels in parasport — spoiler alert: Paris tops the list!

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Learn more at AMI.ca

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• X /Twitter @AccessibleMedia
• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc
• Email feedback@ami.ca