Lakeshore Demolition Wins Division II Wheelchair Rugby Title

National championships at Lakeshore Foundation prepare athletes for 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:19am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a wheelchair rugby match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and movement, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The intense, high-energy competition of the national wheelchair rugby championships showcases the dedication and skill of athletes striving for Paralympic glory.Los Angeles Today

The U.S. Wheelchair Rugby Association held its national championships at the Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama, where hundreds of athletes competed in intense matches, including members of the U.S. wheelchair rugby team. The Lakeshore Demolition, the home team, emerged as the Division II champions, marking the end of the season but the beginning of their preparation for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The national championships serve as a crucial stepping stone for wheelchair rugby athletes aspiring to represent the U.S. at the Paralympic Games. The event allows them to showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, and position themselves for potential selection to the national team as it embarks on a world tour ahead of the 2028 Games.

The details

A total of 284 athletes competed in the championships, with the Lakeshore Demolition, the home team, emerging as the Division II champions. The event is part of the ongoing preparation for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, where wheelchair rugby will be a featured sport. Some of the athletes who competed this weekend are members of the current U.S. wheelchair rugby team, which is set to embark on a world tour at the end of the month as part of its selection strategy.

  • The U.S. Wheelchair Rugby Association held its national championships this weekend at the Lakeshore Foundation.
  • The U.S. wheelchair rugby team is set to embark on a world tour at the end of the month as part of its selection strategy for the 2028 Paralympic Games.

The players

Kevin Orr

The director of recreation athletics at the Lakeshore Foundation.

Lakeshore Demolition

The home team that won the Division II wheelchair rugby championship at the Lakeshore Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“National championships — what else can you ask for? It's wheelchair rugby.”

— Kevin Orr, Director of recreation athletics, Lakeshore Foundation

“The passion for the Paralympic Games, getting ready for competition — this is kind of the entry level to get to that point.”

— Kevin Orr, Director of recreation athletics, Lakeshore Foundation

“The motto the U.S. had years ago was: It's not every four years, it's every day. It's mind, body, spirit, training. It's what you put in your body, the energy you put out, the training you do day to day. You make a lot of sacrifices away from your family.”

— Kevin Orr, Director of recreation athletics, Lakeshore Foundation

“They're going to Australia, and they're going to Japan. That's part of the selection process.”

— Kevin Orr, Director of recreation athletics, Lakeshore Foundation

“They're going to use this opportunity to develop players who may or may not go to L.A., but it's an opportunity to test them against really high-level competition.”

— Kevin Orr, Director of recreation athletics, Lakeshore Foundation

What’s next

The U.S. wheelchair rugby team is set to embark on a world tour at the end of the month as part of its selection strategy for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

The national wheelchair rugby championships at the Lakeshore Foundation serve as a crucial stepping stone for athletes aspiring to represent the U.S. at the Paralympic Games, providing an opportunity to showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, and position themselves for potential selection to the national team.