Wheelchair Basketball Canada has unveiled the lineups for the upcoming world championships in Ottawa, with both the women’s and men’s teams finalized. The women’s squad includes seasoned players such as Kady Dandeneau, Melanie Hawtin, Puisand Lai, Tara Llanes, Cindy Ouellet, Tamara Steeves, Elodie Tessier, and Arinn Young, who all return from the fourth-place Paralympic team in 2024. Additionally, Elise Froese, Rosie Long, Mercy Nyakundi, and Bethany Johnson have secured spots on the team.

Canada’s women’s team finished fifth at the 2022 championships, with their last gold medal victory dating back to 2014 in Toronto. Turning to the men’s team, seven players are making a comeback from both the Paralympic Games and the 2022 worlds, including Reed De’Aeth, Nik Goncin, Colin Higgins, Lee Melymick, Tyler Miller, Blaise Mutware, and Garrett Ostepchuk. Joining them are Josh Brown, Ibrahim Odza, Kyrell Sopotyk, Lionel Tamoki, and Brandon Louie.

The Canadian men’s team, which placed sixth at the 2022 worlds, last clinched a gold medal in 2006. The championship, scheduled for September 9-19, will play a crucial role in determining the allocation of spots for each zone at the 2028 Paralympic Games.