The Canadian women’s wheelchair basketball team secured a place in the world championship final after defeating the Netherlands 85-73 on Thursday at the Arena at TD Place in Ottawa.
Canada is set to compete against the United States for the gold medal on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET.
The U.S. team triumphed over Great Britain with a score of 71-61 in the earlier semifinal match.
Kady Dandeneau of Canada showcased her exceptional skills, leading her team with 35 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists during the semifinal.
The 36-year-old athlete from Pender Island, British Columbia, had just delivered a stellar performance against Japan in the quarterfinals, where she scored a remarkable 49 points along with 12 rebounds and eight assists.
Arinn Young also contributed significantly to Canada’s success on Thursday, scoring 34 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and providing 13 assists.
“I’m just so grateful to be here,” Young expressed in a statement. “I’ve had the chance to compete on home soil in a final before, and I feel incredibly lucky; that’s what fuels my motivation.”
Watch the host Canadians take on the Netherlands in the semifinals at the Ottawa 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships.
Canada’s most recent podium finish at a world championship occurred in 2014 in Toronto, where Young was part of the team.
<p“Playing at home is such a thrill,” Young remarked. “We have a strong history here. The group of players is incredibly special, and I feel fortunate to be part of it. I am proud of them.”
The last encounter between Canada and the U.S. in a gold-medal match at a major tournament was during the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, where Canada finished with a silver medal.
<p“Compared to our performance in Chile, we are a much improved team,” Young noted. “Many things are coming together for us right now. I’m looking forward to what promises to be an exciting final.”