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EDMONTON GRADS TROPHY
for Outstanding Female Team
Women's Wheelchair Basketball Team
Nominated by the Canadian Wheelchair Basketball Association
Canada's women's wheelchair basketball team is well on its way to legendary status. Over the past decade, this powerhouse has built a record of victories that suggests invincibility. The 2000 Paralympic Games was the latest triumph as the team stormed to its third straight gold medal. Rolling over all comers, the Canadians, a skillfully blended combination of veterans bolstered by several well-chosen rookies, took on the host Aussies in the final. Canada's victory was never in doubt. Unfazed by the boisterous crowd of 40,000 and led by Gold Cup MVP Chantal Benoit--often called the Michael Jordan of wheelchair basketball--who led all scorers with 13 points and seven rebounds, Canada trounced Australia 46-27.
The secret of the team's success may well be its depth and scoring balance. Clippings from the Paralympic tournament tell the story. In game one Lori Radke was top scorer. Kendra Ohama shone in the second half of game two. Benoit was the star of game three. In game four, it was Renee DelColle, followed closely by Ohama and Sabrini Pettinicchi. The gold medal game belonged to Benoit, DelColle, and Tracey Ferguson.
The team's streak goes all the way back to 1990 and a bronze medal win at the world championships. Along the way came world championships in 1994 and 1998. Key to the team's success is the dedication, hard work, and commitment of each athlete. With every opponent wanting the distinction of snapping the unbeaten streak, the Canadians have learned to always play beyond expectations. Packing a huge punch offensively and defensively, they are also remarkable for the intensity they bring to every game and their uncanny ability to dictate the play.
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