Canada's wheelchair rugby team qualifies for Tokyo Paralympics
CBC Sports | Posted: March 8, 2020 10:49 PM | Last Updated: March 8, 2020
Canada went 7-0 in the tournament to earn Paralympic berth
Canada's wheelchair rugby team is heading to the Tokyo Paralympics after they defeated Colombia 57-46 at the IWRF Paralympic qualification in Richmond, B.C. on Sunday.
The tournament was initially set up as an eight-team, two-pool format, but went to a seven-team round robin after Thailand withdrew over health concerns in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Meaning, the winners of the two semifinal games would be awarded a spot at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Entering the semifinals, Canada was 6-0, including a 62-35 win over Colombia in their second game of the tournament. This game turned out to be much closer. Canada led 13-10 after the first quarter and 27-23 at halftime. However, they pulled ahead in the second half, finishing the third quarter with a commanding 41-34 lead.
In the final quarter, Colombia started out fast with a quick try, but Canada responded with two of their own and never looked back, en route to victory and the Paralympic berth.
WATCH | The full match between Canada and Colombia:
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics run from Aug. 25 - Sept. 6, and CBC is the host broadcaster.