NOV. 13, 2023:  Canada’s women’s team began the 2023 WPV Sitting Volleyball World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, on a positive note. After losing the first set, Canada came back to defeat Brazil 3-1 (15-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-20) in the team's first pool match. 

• Update: YouTube live streams

"Being in our first World Cup I think the nerves got the best of us in the first set against an opponent who we lost last to in World Championships a year ago," said team Canada setter Sarah Melenka. "We brushed off the first set really quick, the team stuck it out, we played with grit, for each other, the flag on our chest and for our families back at home."
 
The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Canada is currently ranked 2nd in the world, next to the USA, who is already qualified for Paris and is not attending this tournament. Brazil is ranked third and is also qualified for the Paralympics based on winning the 2022 World Championship.

The qualification opportunity will be awarded to the highest ranked team that has not already secured a qualification spot via the 2022 World Championship or one of the four Zonal Championships as determined at the completion of the World Cup.

Event web site: https://www.worldparavolley.org/2023-wpv-sitting-volleyball-world-cup/

Links to live streams are posted here on Facebook.

Schedule overview:
Nov. 13 – CAN vs. BRA - 3-1 
Nov. 14 -  SLO vs. CAN (am) - 1-3; CAN vs. UKR (pm)
Nov. 15 – NED vs. CAN
Nov. 16 – Quarterfinals
Nov. 17 – Semifinals
Nov. 18 – Finals
 
Roster:
Julie Kozun, Melfort, SK
Danielle Ellis, White Rock, BC
Jennifer Oakes, Calgary, AB
Angelena Dolezar, St. Albert, AB
Anne Fergusson, Carleton Place, ON
Jolan Wong, Vermilion, AB
Sarah Melenka, Vegreville, AB
Jayme Lynne Lepp, Vancouver, BC
Heidi Peters, Neerlandia, AB
Katelyn Wright, Edmonton, AB
Felicia Voss-Shafiq, Burnaby, BC
Jennifer McCreesh, Smithers, BC
Allison Lang, Edmonton, AB
 
Staff
Nicole Ban, head coach 
Chelsea Hobbs, assistant coach  
Kate Rozendaal, assistant coach
Yung Yung Wong, therapist                        
Ian Halliday, team manager         
Onika Green, mental performance coach              
Lionel Bonnaure, performance analyst   
 

Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676