The Canadian women began their wheelchair basketball world championship journey with a dominant win against Spain in Ottawa on Wednesday. Led by Arinn Young with a game-high 18 points and Kady Dandeneau’s impressive double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds, Canada secured a decisive 76-51 victory at TD Place. Despite trailing 21-15 after the first quarter, Canada regrouped swiftly to seize control of the game, effectively securing the win before the final period.
“We were initially nervous performing in front of our home crowd,” stated Young, reflecting on the team’s slow start. “But we quickly identified the situation, acknowledged our feelings, and regained our composure.”
Following suit, the Canadian men also triumphed, defeating Morocco 74-51 in their opening match. Colin Higgins led the charge with an outstanding performance, nearly achieving a triple-double by scoring 24 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists as Canada dominated with 40 points in the paint.
Spain came into the competition as three-time defending bronze medalists at the European championships and finished eighth at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where Canada secured a fourth-place finish.
In other Group A matches, China defeated Australia 48-37, and Great Britain outplayed Brazil with a commanding 78-41 victory. This year’s men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball world championships are being hosted in Ottawa.
The Canadian women’s team will face Australia next on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET at Carleton University. Fans can catch the action as the Canadian men take on Morocco in their next game at the Ottawa 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships.
[Source: CBC Sports]
