Wheelchair Basketball Canada has revealed the lineups for both its men’s and women’s teams set to compete in the upcoming world championships in Ottawa.
The women’s team will feature familiar faces such as Kady Dandeneau, Melanie Hawtin, Puisand Lai, Tara Llanes, Cindy Ouellet, Tamara Steeves, Elodie Tessier, and Arinn Young, who all participated in the fourth-place Paralympic team in 2024. Joining them are newcomers Elise Froese, Rosie Long, Mercy Nyakundi, and Bethany Johnson.
In the past, Canada secured fifth place at the 2022 championships, with their last podium finish dating back to 2014 when the women’s team clinched gold in Toronto.
Turning to the men’s team, seven players who competed in both the Paralympic Games and the 2022 worlds are making a return: Reed De’Aeth, Nik Goncin, Colin Higgins, Lee Melymick, Tyler Miller, Blaise Mutware, and Garrett Ostepchuk. They will be supported by new additions Josh Brown, Ibrahim Odza, Kyrell Sopotyk, Lionel Tamoki, and Brandon Louie.
The Canadian men, who finished sixth in the 2022 worlds, last tasted victory in 2006.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 19 and will determine the allocation of spots each zone will receive for the 2028 Paralympic Games.