Matthew Anthony Debly

Started: He took up wheelchair rugby after he competed in wheelchair basketball at the 2015 Canada Games. (wheelchairrugby.ca, 23 Nov 2023) Reason: He was invited to a wheelchair rugby prospects camp because of the athleticism and aggression he displayed while competing in wheelchair basketball at the 2015 Canada Games. When he tried wheelchair rugby, he found that he enjoyed the fast pace and physicality of the sport. (wheelchairrugby.ca, 23 Nov 2023) Ambition: To win a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (princegeorgecitizen.com, 11 Jul 2024) Awards: He received the Rising Star Most Improved Player award at the 2022 Canadian National Championships. (onpara.ca, 04 May 2022) He was named Para Sport Athlete of the Year at the 2018 Windsor/Essex Sports Person of the Year awards in Canada. (wheelchairrugby.ca, 23 Nov 2023)

Sporting Relatives: He wife Gwen has served as a bench manager in wheelchair rugby. She is also a USA Weightlifting level 1 coach. (Gwen Debly Instagram profile, 17 Mar 2024; Instagram profile, 11 Feb 2024)