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 will see a mix of experienced players such as Kady Dandeneau, Melanie Hawtin, Puisand Lai, and others who were part of the fourth-place Paralympic team in 2024. Additionally, newcomers Elise Froese, Rosie Long, Mercy Nyakundi, and Bethany Johnson have been selected to join the squad.
In the past championships, Canada secured fifth place in 2022 and clinched gold in 2014 in Toronto. The men’s team comprises seven returning players who participated in both the Paralympic Games and the 2022 worlds, including Reed De’Aeth, Nik Goncin, and others. New additions to the men’s team include Josh Brown, Ibrahim Odza, Kyrell Sopotyk, and more.
Canada, which finished sixth in the 2022 worlds, last claimed the gold medal in 2006. The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 9-19 and will play a crucial role in determining the allocated spots for each zone in the 2028 Paralympic Games.