The gym at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sexsmith echoed with the sound of bouncing basketballs, laughter, and community connection as Jason Bishop—founder of I.S.H.O.W (Indigenous Shooting Hoops on Wheels)—brought his inspiring adaptive sports program toSt. Mary’s Catholic School.

More than just a wheelchair basketball demonstration, I.S.H.O.W is a movement. Founded by Jason after his own life-changing experience with limb loss and transplant recovery, the program brings adaptive sports directly to communities across Alberta. Through partnership with T.A.N.S.I. Society, I.S.H.O.W fosters inclusion, empathy, and athletic opportunity for youth and community members of all abilities.

At St. Mary’s Catholic School, students and staff embraced the chance to try the sport firsthand—some for the very first time. But beyond the fun and fast-paced action, the visit served a deeper purpose: to spark interest in forming an all-Indigenous wheelchair basketball team that could one day represent Indigenous talent not just in Alberta, but across Canada and beyond.

“It’s an excellent showcase program,” Jason shared. “It helps kids develop empathy for those around them and provides an outlet for students and community members living with physical disabilities. It brings people together—families, siblings, and entire communities—to support and uplift those who are differently abled.”

The I.S.H.O.W event at St. Mary’s Catholic School was a powerful reminder of how sport can inspire, unite, and create pathways to new possibilities.