Para sport Notebook: Canada qualifies for world championships in women’s goalball

Canadian Paralympic Committee

August 06, 2025

Golden sweep for Canada at 3X3 wheelchair basketball worlds

SAO PAULO – Canada’s women’s goalball team won the silver medal on Tuesday to qualify for next year’s world championships at the IBSA Americas championships.

The Canadian women, fifth at the Paralympic Games last year in Paris, steamrolled to the finals posting a 5-0 record in the preliminary round with wins over Guatemala, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia and Nicaragua. In the quarterfinal they beat Chile 10-0 and, in the semifinal, blanked the U.S. 4-0.

In the final Brazil stopped the Canadians with a 6-2 victory. The top-two in the tournament qualified for the 2026 World Championships set for June 6-16, 2026 in Hangzhou, China. Those worlds will be the first opportunity to qualify for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

‘’We head back home with that goal achieved through a performance based on trust, commitment and determination demonstrated atop a foundation of strong defense and patient offence,’’ the women’s team posted on its Facebook page. ‘’As individuals and a team we take valuable lessons home to reset, refocus and continue to build upon that strong foundation.’’

The Canadian team was comprised of five-time Paralympian Amy Burk of Charlottetown, Emma Reinke of St. Thomas, Ont., Maryam Salehizadeh of Vancouver and Meghan Mahon of Calgary.

Joining them were national team rookies Cassandra Ruttle of Calgary and Geneviève Hart-Baron of Ottawa.

On the men’s side, Canada took fourth spot and gained a lot of confidence for the run to L.A. 2028. They went 5-0 in the preliminary round with wins over Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia and the U.S.

Canada beat Chile in the quarterfinals but were finally beaten by Argentina 5-3 in the semis and the U.S. 11-6 in the bronze match. Brazil and Argentina were 1-2 to grab the world championship berths.

The men’s team members were 2016 Paralympian Blair Nesbitt of Edmonton and Mason Smith of Middleton, N.S. Also on the squad were Aron Gebreyohannes of Calgary, 16-year-old Harry Nickerson and Peter Parsons, both of Halifax, and Quebec’s Rakibul Karim.

Canada sweeps gold at inaugural 3×3 world championships

Canada’s men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams both defeated Spain on Sunday to capture gold at the inaugural 2025 IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships in Sun City, South Africa.

The women topped Spain 17-12 to complete the 3×3 Open World Championships undefeated.

“Spain came out insanely physical, we knew they would. They were hitting chairs and, in our face – all over us,” said Kady Dandeneau. “I think we kept our composure and still competed with them and stuck to what we’ve been doing, which is playing our game.”

Dandeneau was named tournament MVP while teammate Élodie Tessier collected tournament All-Star honours. Also on the team were Puisand Lai of Toronto and Tamara Steeves of Mississauga, Ont.

On the men’s side, Canada rallied to a 14-9 win over Spain in a rematch of Friday’s Pool C clash, which saw Team Canada fall 18-12.

“Super cool experience,” said Colin Higgins. “We knew Spain was going to be tough; they beat us in pool play, so we knew we didn’t have much to lose. We came out, we hit a couple of shots and won the game.”

Colin Higgins was named tournament MVP.

Also on the team were Vincent Dallaire of Quebec City, Lee Melymick of Toronto and Garrett Ostepchuk of Regina.

Read Wheelchair basketball Canada’s full recap of the tournament.

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