Wheelchair Basketball Canada has unveiled the rosters for the upcoming world championships in Ottawa, featuring both women’s and men’s teams. The women’s team includes key players like Kady Dandeneau, Melanie Hawtin, Puisand Lai, Tara Llanes, Cindy Ouellet, Tamara Steeves, Elodie Tessier, and Arinn Young, who were part of the fourth-place Paralympic team in 2024. Additionally, Elise Froese, Rosie Long, Mercy Nyakundi, and Bethany Johnson have been selected to join the squad.
In the past, Canada placed fifth in the 2022 championships, with their last gold medal victory dating back to 2014 in Toronto. Moving on to the men’s team, seven players, including Reed De’Aeth, Nik Goncin, Colin Higgins, Lee Melymick, Tyler Miller, Blaise Mutware, and Garrett Ostepchuk, have returned from both the Paralympic Games and the 2022 worlds. Joining them are Josh Brown, Ibrahim Odza, Kyrell Sopotyk, Lionel Tamoki, and Brandon Louie.
The Canadian men, who finished sixth in 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 for each zone for the 2028 Paralympic Games.