Ottawa, March 9, 2022 – Wheelchair Rugby Canada officially begins the 2022 WWR Americas Championship with a win in their opening game against Brazil, the final score was 57 to 33. Canada, ranked sixth internationally, enters Medellin with an opportunity to secure a berth into the WWR World Championships this October with a top 3 finish.

“Today’s game went as planned, we followed the game plan that the coaching staff had set us up for and that let us into the successful win against Brazil,” said Mike Whitehead. “It was a lot of fun watching Rio [Kanda Kovac] put their first jersey on and get their first minutes with the National Team, what a special day.”

Rio, age 19, made their first appearance with on the National Team today against Brazil.

“[The Team] was very poised, the last time we played was in Tokyo, so that was a long time off, said Assistant Coach, Dave Willsie. “You would think there would have been some rust or lack of focus, no, we came out firing on all cylinders. They were ready to go.”

Dave Willsie on the team’s strong defense, “If we can score those quick goals, it allows us to get into transition a lot quicker, it makes the setup for our defense a lot better. Then when they smelled blood in the water, they got those turnovers for sure.”

Canada continues competition this evening, March 9, against Colombia. Tune in at 7pm EST, 4pm PAC.

For more details on streaming, media and scheduling visit the tournament’s website here.

ABOUT WWR AMERICAS

The 2022 Americas Championship is a WWR tournament that provides qualification to the 2022 World Championship. Participating teams include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, & United States.

ABOUT WHEELCHAIR RUGBY CANADA

Wheelchair Rugby Canada is the national governing body for the Canadian Heritage Sport of wheelchair rugby. Wheelchair Rugby Canada strives to be a world-leader in wheelchair rugby, a respected advocate for wheelchair athletes and a visionary organization committed to excellence in programs from recruitment to retirement.

MEDIA CONTACT

Nathan Lederer
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Wheelchair Rugby Canada
nathan@wheelchairrugby.ca or 905-531-7428