The Canadian women’s wheelchair basketball team began their journey in the world championship with a dominant win in Ottawa on Wednesday. Led by Arinn Young, who scored 18 points, and Kady Dandeneau, who recorded a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, Canada secured a convincing 76-51 victory at TD Place. Despite trailing 21-15 after the first quarter, Canada regrouped swiftly, taking control of the game and securing a comfortable lead going into the final period.
Reflecting on the slow start, Young attributed it to initial nervousness in front of the home crowd. However, the team quickly identified the issue, acknowledged their feelings, and regained composure to turn the game in their favor. Spain, a three-time defending European championship bronze medalist, had finished eighth in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where Canada claimed the fourth position.
In other Group A matches, China defeated Australia 48-37, and Great Britain outscored Brazil with a convincing 78-41 victory. This year’s edition of the men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball championships is being held in Ottawa. The Canadian women’s team is set to clash with Australia on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET at Carleton University, while the Canadian men’s team is scheduled to play against Morocco later in the day at 7:30 p.m. at TD Place.
