News

Women's 2010 National Team Named

Team Captain Chantal Benoit  will try to lead Canada to an unprecendented 5th straight World Championship

(Ottawa, ON) – Wheelchair Basketball Canada is pleased to announce the names of the 12 athletes that will represent Canada at the 2010 World Championships (July 5-17, 2010 in Birmingham, GB) as members of Sr. Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball Team.

This year the Canadian Women are striving for an incredible fifth straight Gold medal finish at the World Championships (held every four years) following 1^st Place finishes in 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006.

“I am excited about this talented group of athletes. We have a nice mix of internationally experienced players and eager rookies. We look forward to being back on top of the world,” said Team Canada Head Coach Bill Johnson.

The Sr. Women's National Team was announced following a four-day-long selection camp in Vancouver, BC. It features eight players who competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and five who won gold medals at the 2006 World Championships.

The Canadian Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team consists of:

Janet McLachlan * (class 4.5) - BC
Tara Feser * (class 4.5) - AB
Elisha Williams (class 4.5) - BC
Nancy Lafleche (class 4.0) - BC
Cindy Ouellet * (class 3.5) - QC
Chantal Benoit * (class 3.5) – QC
Tracey Ferguson * (class 3.0) - ON
Kendra Ohama * (class 2.5) - AB
Katie Harnock * (class 2.5) - ON
Elaine Allard (class 1.5) - QC
Jessica Vliegenthart (class 1.0) - BC
Lisa Franks * (class 1.0) – SK

(* denotes returning players who competed in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics - names in bold won gold at 2006 World Championships)

Head coach: Bill Johnson

Assistant Coaches: Michael Broughton, Mandy Johnson

Physiotherapists: Trish Nicholson, Sheila Forler Bauman

Massage Therapist: Sophie Laverdiere

First up for the newly appointed Team Canada’s will be the Osaka Cup (February 16-21, 2010 in Osaka, Japan).

The Canadian Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team is the defending 2006 World Champions. They finished 5^th at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.