Canada Move In On Medal Win at Parapan Am Games

Both the men's and women's teams have reached the next stage of their respective wheelchair basketball competitions in Lima

Having both finished the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record, each team were in their most advantageous position in the knockout round. The men's tournament saw all eight teams playing in the knockout stage, while only the top two of each group in women's draw would have a chance at a medal, the other four moving on to a placement round.

First up, the men's team faced hosts Peru in the quarter finals, where they , leading by as many as 47 points and shooting over 50% from the field. Jhony Zapata led the scoring with 24 points for Peru, but was only one of three players to score for the team. Canada, meanwhile, had four players finish in double digits as they secure their semi final spot with a 78-31 win over Peru.

The women's team, meanwhile, faced Brazil in their semi finals, where a win would not only but secure their spot at next year's Paralympics in Tokyo.

After a slow start to the game, with Brazil doing all they could on defence to keep Canada at bay, Canada asserted themselves in the third quarter, where they outscored Brazil 23 to 8. This proved to be the decisive moment in the game and the foundation of another dominant performance from the women's team.

Arinn Young once again led the team, seemingly doing everything for Canada, registering 24 points and 11 rebounds as the team see out victory over Brazil and book their spot in the final and in Tokyo, beating Brazil 61-40.

The women's team will now face the USA in the gold medal game after the Americans' 82-24 defeat of Argentina in their semi final. The men's team have a longer path, though, first having to get past Colombia before reaching their final on the last day of the games.

Check back here for reports on Canada's medal progress in Lima, while more information can be found on the official 2019 Parapan American Games website.