Guadalajara, MX – On the strength of great shooting the Canadian Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team cruised past Guatemala 86-22 in their quarterfinal match and are now one win away from qualifying for the 2012 Paralympic Summer Games.

Canada must finish in the top three to earn a berth in next year’s Paralympics where they can reach the podium for the fourth consecutive year after back-to-back gold medals in 2000 and 2004 and a silver in 2008.

“We are definitely starting to build some momentum,” said Team Canada athlete Adam Lancia (Toronto, ON). “Right now there is some excitement because we are not only looking ahead to the semi-finals but we want to beat the U.S. in the finals and win gold – that is our goal.”

Team USA beat Canada in the final of the last Parapan American Game in 2007, but before they can defendtheir title they must face the winner of Mexico vs. Brazil (taking place at3:45 p.m. (CST) in the other semi-final.

Canada will now put its 4-0 record to the test in the semi-finals against the winner of Colombia vs. Argentina (taking place at 1:30 p.m. (CST).

Lancia helped pave the way for the victory over Guatemala scoring a game high 18 points. He shot an impressive 9-for-13 from the field (69%) and added 8 rebounds.

Dave Durepos (Fredericton, NB) was not far off the pace going 7-for-11 (64%), from the field, 6-for-8 (75%) from the free-throw line and he also added a three-pointer to his tally finishing with 15 points.

Continuing with the trend of efficient shooting David Eng (Montreal, QC) came into thegame late but still reached double digit scoring. He potted 10 points in 10minutes going 4-for-5 from the field (80%) and 2-for-3 from the charity strip (67%).

The Canadians held their opponent to just 9 field goals on 69 attempts (13%) and out rebounded them 51-32.

“I challenged the players to work on a few different concepts this game including a new defense and a few mental exercises. So as long we got the win, the final outcome on the scoreboard wasn’t as important as making sure we communicate well and do the little things right,” said Team Canada Head Coach Jerry Tonello.

The Canadian Women (3-0) are also competing in the tournament and a top three finish would also secure their right to play in London. They are scheduled to play a semi-final match against Mexico Thursday November 17 at 8:15 p.m.(CST).

The following athletes are representing 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 BasketballCanada 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.

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