Wheelchair Basketball Canada has unveiled the lineups for the upcoming world championships to be held in Ottawa. The women’s team will feature key players such as Kady Dandeneau, Melanie Hawtin, Puisand Lai, Tara Llanes, Cindy Ouellet, Tamara Steeves, Elodie Tessier, and Arinn Young, who all contributed to the team’s fourth-place finish at the 2024 Paralympics. Additionally, Elise Froese, Rosie Long, Mercy Nyakundi, and Bethany Johnson have also secured spots on the roster.
In the past, Canada clinched fifth place at the 2022 championships, with their last podium appearance dating back to 2014 when the women’s team secured gold in Toronto.
Turning to the men’s squad, seven players are making a return from both the Paralympic Games and the 2022 worlds: Reed De’Aeth, Nik Goncin, Colin Higgins, Lee Melymick, Tyler Miller, Blaise Mutware, and Garrett Ostepchuk. Joining them are newcomers Josh Brown, Ibrahim Odza, Kyrell Sopotyk, Lionel Tamoki, and Brandon Louie.
The Canadian men’s team, which finished sixth at the 2022 worlds, last claimed gold in 2006.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 19 and will play a crucial role in determining the allocation of spots each zone will receive for the 2028 Paralympic Games.