Guadalajara, MX – Canada’s Men and Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Teams are both 2-0 after dominant outings against El Salvador and Argentina in the second day of competition at the 2011 Parapan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The Canadian Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team cruised to a lopsided 54-18 victory over Argentina; the Canadian Men easily ousted El Salvador 70 – 28.

Both Canadian teams now have 2-0 records with one preliminary round game remaining.

CANADA (W) 54 – ARGENTINA 18 Recap

Canada got off to a great start at both ends of the floor. The Canucks quickly found themselves up 12-0 midway through the first quarter and never looked back. Argentina didn’t get their first basket until the 3:51 mark.

The trend would continue as the Canadian defense limited their opponents to a meager 17% shooting from the field. Offensively Canada once again looked to Janet McLachlan (West Vancouver, BC) who scored a game-high 16 points in just 14:08 of court time. Katie Harnock (Elmira, ON) chipped in with eight points.

With a comfortable lead established against the developing squad from Argentina, Canada took advantage of the opportunity to distribute playing time across the entire bench and every dressed player saw at least 10 minutes on the court.

“It was a great chance for us to put some people in some uncomfortable situations and do some different things then we normally might do in a closer game, but still allow the Argentinians to work on some of the things they need to do to get better as well,” said Team Canada Women’s Head Coach Bill Johnson. “

“As a developing country in wheelchair basketball I think it’s important that we foster that development so that one day the level of play in our zone will mean that 7 or 8 teams will compete for the top spot.”

Next up the Canadian Women will play their final preliminary round game against El Salvador Tuesday November 15^th at 8:15 p.m. (local time) / 9:15 p.m. ET

CANADA (M) 70 – El Savador 28 Recap

Canada’s starting lineup only needed five minutes to reach double digits in scoring and by the end of thefirst quarter they stretched their lead to 20-2 against an inexperienced ElSalvador team. Canada’s superior speed and chair skills allowed them to limit their opponents to just 12 field goals. They also hauled in 43 of the game’s 69 total rebounds.

Dave Durepos (Fredericton, NB), who was Canada’s flag bearer at this year’s Parapan American Games opening ceremonies, showcased his range, hitting 3-out-of-5 three-pointers (60%). He led all players with 20 points and also tied a game high with 4 assists. BoHedges was the game’s top rebounder claiming 11 boards.

“In a game like this it’s always tough when you overmatch your opponent, so as a coach all I ask is that everyone executes the fundamentals to the best of their abilities,” said Team Canada Men’s Head Coach Jerry Tonello.

“I have identified effort and communications as our priorities tonight. It’s not as important that we score every basket or make every shot, but I just want them to work hard and communicate, becausecommunication is the key to our success moving further along in this tournament.”

Next up the Canadian Men willplay their final preliminary round game against Mexico Wednesday November 16^th at 8:15 p.m. (local time) / 9:15 p.m. ET

The following athletes will represent Team Canada at the 2011 Parapan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico:

For more information, visit:www.wheelchairbasketball.ca

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Qualifier for London 2012

The London 2012 Paralympic Games will be held Aug. 29 to Sept. 9, 2012.

Guadalajara will be a direct qualifier for the London 2012 Paralympic Games in the sports of Wheelchair Basketball and Sitting Volleyball. To earn berths in London, the Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Teams must place in the top three in Guadalajara.

About the Parapan American Games

The IV Parapan American Games take place November 12-20, 2011 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The Games are a continental, multi-sport eventthat feature more than 1,500 athletes from 26 countries competing in 13 different sports: archery, athletics, boccia, cycling, football (5-a-side),goalball, judo, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair tennis and wheelchair basketball.

The Parapan American Games have been increasing in size and competitiveness since the inaugural event in Mexico City in 1999.

Wheelchair Basketball at the Parapan American Games

Sixteen national wheelchair basketball teams will play in Guadalajara for the right to compete in London 2012. The men's division features contenders Canada and the United States, as well as Brazil and host Mexico. Argentina, Columbia, El Salvador, and Guatemala are the other hopefuls on the men's side. Meanwhile, the women's division features two of the top three teams in the world in Canada and the United States, along with Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala, host Mexico, and Peru.

Team Canada Men at the Parapan American Games

The Canadian Men's National Team has reached the podium in each of its three appearances at the Parapan American Games since their inception in 1999. The team's medal count stands at two silver (1999, 2007) and one gold (2003) going into the 2011 edition of the Games. Thanks to their podium performances at the Parapan Ams, the Canadian Men went on to win three consecutive medals at the Paralympic Games, including back-to-back gold medals in 2000 and 2004 and a silver medal in 2008.

Team Canada Women at the Parapan American Games

The Canadian Women's National Team will also look to extend its winning tradition at the Parapan American Games, having captured two gold medals (1999, 2003) and one silver (2007) in three appearances. The Canadian Women are strong candidates to qualify for London 2012 and build upon a prolific Paralympic portfolio that includes three consecutive gold medals in 1992, 1996, and 2000, as well as a bronze medal in 2004.

About Wheelchair Basketball Canada

Wheelchair Basketball Canada is the national sports governing body responsible for the organization of wheelchair basketball in Canada. It is a non-profit, charitable organization that is the Canadian member to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF).

Wheelchair basketball is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, competitive sport that has emerged as one of the most competitive and athletic sports played at the Paralympic Games. Our senior national teams are held in high esteem around the world for the elite skill and control that placed them on the podium with a combined five gold and one silver medal in the last five Paralympic Games.

For more information or to schedule an interview contact: