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Morocco's Bilal Ben Hamman Lechhab (right) pressures Canada's Colin Higgins (9) during first half IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships group stage action in Ottawa, Wednesday Sept. 9, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Canada’s men’s, women’s squads both pick up wins to open wheelchair basketball worlds

Sep 9, 2026 | 8:24 PM

OTTAWA — Canada enjoyed a successful opening day at the wheelchair basketball world championships on Wednesday at TD Place.

Colin Higgins and Nikola Goncin each scored a game-high 24 points in leading the Canadian men’s team to a 74-51 over Morocco.

Canada only led 34-32 at half, but outscored the Moroccans 21-4 in the third quarter to blow the game open before adding to its lead in the fourth quarter.

Arinn Young led the women’s team with 18 points as Canada had five players score in double figures in a 76-51 win over Spain.

Kady Dandeneau had 17 points, Elodie Tessier added 10 and Cindy Ouellet and Elise Froese contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, off the bench.

Canada was down 21-15 after the first quarter, but took a 36-27 lead at half. The Canadians then outscored Spain 40-24 in the second half to run with the victory.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 9, 2026.

The Canadian Press