Canadian women win gold in 3X3 wheelchair basketball at Commonwealth Games

BIRMINGHAM, England – The Canadian women became the first wheelchair basketball gold medallists in Commonwealth Games history on Tuesday, beating Australia 14-5 in the 3X3 tournament.

Kady Dandeneau had a game-high six points and 10 rebounds. Tamara Steeves added four points and two rebounds, while Élodie Tessier and Tara Llanes each chipped in two points in the victory.

“It’s been a really good experience with the 3×3,” said Tessier. “Honestly, I’m really proud of the girls, I’m really proud of how strong we came out here.”

The Canadian men also leave England’s second largest city with hardware, taking silver after dropping an 11-9 decision to Australia in its 3X3 gold medal game.

Colin Higgins paced Canada with five points and five rebounds, Vincent Dallaire added three points and four rebounds, while Bo Hedges chipped in with one point and two rebounds.

“Hats off to Australia, they played a great game, and they took advantage of our mishaps,” said Higgins. “I didn’t hit a couple of shots. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but who knows; hopefully, we’re back at the Commonwealth Games in four years.”

Over in the pool, Aurélie Rivard, a five-time Paralympic champion, won the silver medal in the women’s SM10 200-m individual medley. Rivard finished in 2:34.29 with Australian Jasmine Greenwood of Australia first in 2:33.29. Katarina Roxon of Kippens, N.L. was sixth in in 2:43.98.

‘’I made a few mistakes and I’m a bit disappointed in the outcome,’’ said Rivard, with Canada’s third Para medal in the pool. ‘’I’m not used to focusing on just one race at a competition, so it was a bit weird. So I put a lot of pressure on the one night, when I’m used to racing every single day.’’

Roxon is competing at her fourth Commonwealth Games and is also a four-time Paralympian.

‘’It was really fun and I enjoyed the experience,’’ she said. ‘’For the short period of time I’ve worked in the IM I did basically what I did at worlds.’’

Para athletes have so far contributed six medals (two gold, two silver and two bronze) to Canada’s total of 46 (11-16-19).

Swimming ends Wednesday while athletics, which features 13 Canadian Para athletes, gets into full swing.

With files from Wheelchair Basketball Canada and Swimming Canada