Canadian Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team Qualifies for 2024 Paralympic Games in Osaka

The Canadian women’s wheelchair basketball team has punched their ticket to the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris after a dominant performance at a qualifying tournament in Osaka, Japan. The team secured their spot with a resounding 88-30 victory over Algeria in the crucial qualifier.

Coach Michele Sung commended her team for their hard work and dedication, especially under her leadership which began just last month. Sung took over the head coaching duties from Paul Bowes, who led Canada to a silver medal at the Parapan American Games in November before stepping down in January.

Canada went undefeated in Osaka, winning all three group-stage games before their decisive win over Algeria. Kady Dandeneau led the charge with an impressive stat line of 24 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while Arinn Young, Cindy Ouellet, and Rosalie Lalonde also made significant contributions to the victory.

“We came to Osaka with the task of winning all our games, and we accomplished that,” said Ouellet. “This Repechage Tournament was a full team effort. We’re ready to get back to work on some aspects of our game this summer to arrive ready for Paris 2024.”

The team’s stellar performance saw them shoot 42 of 79 from the field and capitalize on 32 points off Algerian turnovers, while holding their opponents to just 23% shooting.

Canada’s women’s wheelchair basketball team has a storied history, having won three consecutive Paralympic gold medals in 1992, 1996, and 2000, followed by a bronze in 2004. They will be looking to add to their impressive medal collection in Paris after finishing fifth at the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2021.