Wheelchair Basketball Canada has unveiled the rosters for its men’s and women’s teams set to compete at the upcoming world championships in Ottawa. The women’s squad will see the return of key players such as 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 team.
Having secured a fifth-place finish at the 2022 championships, Canada’s women last claimed gold in 2014 in Toronto. On the men’s side, seven players who represented Canada at both the Paralympic Games and the 2022 worlds – Reed De’Aeth, Nik Goncin, Colin Higgins, Lee Melymick, Tyler Miller, Blaise Mutware, and Garrett Ostepchuk – will be back in action. They will be joined by Josh Brown, Ibrahim Odza, Kyrell Sopotyk, Lionel Tamoki, and Brandon Louie.
The Canadian men, who finished sixth at the 2022 worlds, last clinched gold in 2006. The tournament is scheduled to take place from Sept. 9-19 and will play a crucial role in determining the allocation of spots each zone will receive for the 2028 Paralympic Games.
