The Canadian women’s wheelchair basketball team started their journey at the World Championships with a dominant win against Spain in Ottawa. Arinn Young led the team with 18 points, while Kady Dandeneau contributed a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, leading Canada to a 76-51 victory at TD Place. Despite trailing 21-15 after the first quarter, Canada regrouped swiftly, seizing control of the game and securing a comfortable lead before the final quarter.
“We were initially tense in front of the home crowd,” Young remarked on the team’s slow start. “However, we quickly identified the situation, acknowledged our emotions, and regained our composure.”
Later in the day, the Canadian men also claimed victory, defeating Morocco 74-51 in their opening match. Colin Higgins excelled with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, contributing significantly to Canada’s success, especially in the paint where they scored 40 points.
Spain, the three-time defending European championship bronze medalists, finished eighth in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where Canada placed fourth.
In other Group A matches, China triumphed over Australia 48-37, and Great Britain defeated Brazil with a score of 78-41. This year’s wheelchair basketball championships for both men and women are being held in Ottawa.
The Canadian women’s team is scheduled to play Australia next on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET at Carleton University. Fans can watch the Canadian men’s team take on Morocco as well.
