Saturday, November 18th, 2023.- Canada made its debut in the wheelchair rugby competition at Santiago 2023 with a resounding victory over Argentina, winning 63-30, making it clear that they are strong contenders to compete for the gold medal against the United States.

Both teams from the northern part of the continent have contested the two Parapan American finals in the discipline since wheelchair rugby was introduced to the program at Toronto 2015. In the inaugural version, the victory went to the Canadians, while at Lima 2019, the Americans prevailed.

Based on their performances in their debuts in Santiago, it would be no surprise if they face each other again in the decisive match.

In the first game of the day, the United States defeated Chile 62-27. Following suit, Canada did not lag behind and overcame the Argentinians with an equally convincing difference.
The first of the four quarters (each lasting 8 minutes) was the most balanced, with the Canadians leading 12-6. However, in the second and third quarters, they significantly widened the gaps, winning both 16-8, to close the last quarter with their widest advantage (19-8).

The top scorer of the game was Zachary Madell, with 17 points.

The first day will conclude later on Saturday with the squads of Brazil and Colombia. The latter is considered a candidate to step onto the podium, given their history of winning bronze in both Toronto 2015 and Lima 2019.

Written by Esteban Gómez; translated by Rocio Rojas / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Luis Hidalgo / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport