Some of you may have been fortunate enough to have caught Sandie Rinaldo's piece on our own Erika Schmütz last night on the CTV News at 11:00pm.

For those of you who may have missed it, check out this Video Link while it's still on their site.

That link is a huge one, so if it does not work, just go to the CTV site, and look under the "Video Extras" caption.

Final game reports from The Marco :

09-24-2005 @ 11:00: Game 6 (cross over game) vs USA Stars:

Right from the onset, the gym temperature was going to be a major factor as the heat and humidity were omnipresent. This would affect both teams, thus cooling down the athletes would be key in this war of attrition.

Athletes became weary quite rapidly and the 3.0 -2.0 - 2.0 - 1.0 that had been so effective against the Stars on the 22nd in the round robin game found themselves down by four at the 2:28 mark against the Bunnell, Brooks, Jenkins and De Young line (3.0 - 2.5 - 2.0 - 0.5). The High/Low line up came in and with the inspired play of Dale Nording that deficit quickly was erased as we scored the last four goals of the period. The last goal was scored with seven seconds left and we barely missed scoring again after a Whitehead steal who relayed a pass to Nording who couldn’t reach the goal line before the buzzer. The US finished the last 1:43 of the period with O’Connor subbing in for the surprising Bunnell. The second quarter was even until the US scored the last goal with 0:02 seconds to pull ahead 18-17.

The third quarter started with two turnovers and one time out in only 31 seconds of play and we were down three at which point the 3.0 - 2.0 - 2.0 - 1.0 line was sent in but could never get close to the Americans as the US ended the quarter with a three goal lead and the jump ball. In the last quarter, exhausted teams traded goals with only one turnover in this uninspired quarter with the US returning to the key and protecting their lead. The play of RJ Bunnell also made a huge difference in this game as his energy and speed helped carry the US team.

CANADA: 3.0 #7 Nording and # 8 Whitehead, 2.0 #9 Luangkhamdeng and #12 Robinson, 1.5 #4 Schmütz, 1.0 #10 Hirschfield and #3 Publicover, 0.5 #2 Mainguy.

1st Q = 10-10, 2nd Q = 7-8, 3rd Q 6-8, 4th Q = 10-10, Total 33-36


09-24-2005 @ 13:00: Game 7 (Bronze medal game) vs South Africa:

Although much improved, the South Africans are still a long way from being competitive with the big boys. The game was quickly out of hand for the South Africans as we crushed their hopes outscoring them 11-3 in the first quarter in a game where we played many different line ups and beat the South Africans handily to capture the Bronze.

Although it was nice for the boys to get a medal, the disappointment of the cross over loss to the Americans was weighing heavily on the guys and they won’t soon forget that loss.

Game summaries from Marco!

Game summaries: 09-20-2005 @ 09:30:

Game 1 vs USA Stripes:

Nerves and rustiness best describe this game for our National Squad as we committed 17 turnovers. We held our own in the second and 3rd quarters but for the rest, we encountered some problems. The US was led by standout 2.5 Justin Patterson and defensive monster class 2.0 Nick Springer along with a solid cast of developmental players. The US started with Summer, Patterson, Springer and Regier (3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 0.5) while we countered with Whitehead, Luangkhamdeng, Robinson and Publicover.

After a strong first 2:30 minutes, the wheels fell off and we proceeded to turn the ball over 4 times in that quarter and found ourselves down 5 (14-9). For the second and third quarters the US didnot put the dynamic duo of Patterson and Springer together playing different line ups and our different line ups matched up well against anything they put on the court. In the fourth, the US came back with the starters and they pounced on us yet again outscoring us 9-5 and winning by a score of 41-32.

Other US players: Nelson 3.0, Nanayakkara 1.0, Muniz a newly classed as a 2.0 from a 2.5, McBride 2.0.

CANADA: 3.0 #7 Nording and # 8 Whitehead, 2.0 #9 Luangkhamdeng and #12 Robinson, 1.5 #4 Schmütz, 1.0 #10 Hirschfield and #3 Publicover, 0.5 #2 Mainguy.

1st Q = 9-14, 2nd Q = 8-8, 3rd Q 10-10, 4th Q = 5-9, Total 32-41


09-20-2005 @ 12:30: Game 2 vs Brazil:

Let’s just say, it was a learning experience for the Brazilians; this was their first ever international game and hopefully they will stick to our sport and be able to dig out a few quads along the way as there wasconfusion as to the workings of the classification system prior to the tournament, but I think they were set straight as 7 of their 11 players were deemed ineligible including a T11 para. It wasn’t a pretty sight but hopefully we will hear more from the Brazilians in the future. The final score was 41-14 as players 2.0+ got lots of rest for our side while the Brazilians were allowed to use some of their para’s for this tournament only.

But the story of this day was the sub par performance against the Americans and a day of rest and relaxation on our day off (09-23) gave way to a painful two hour video session reliving the first quarter versus the Americans and a full two hours later, players were more than keen to prove that the past days mistakes would not be repeated.

CANADA: 3.0 #7 Nording and # 8 Whitehead, 2.0 #9 Luangkhamdeng and #12 Robinson, 1.5 #4 Schmütz, 1.0 #10 Hirschfield and #3 Publicover, 0.5 #2 Mainguy.


09-22-2005 @ 09:30: Game 3 vs South Africa:

A much improved South African team awaited us for our third game. The last time we had seen the South Africans was in September of 2003. This time their equipment was top notch, they had great support staff including their own chair builder, who had just finished building their brand new chairs (a cross between a Vesco and a Rhino). They also had new players to go along with the best players from 2003 including the very large Luan Degenaar that legends estimate the man’s weight to be between 300-400 pounds with full abs. Let’s just say he’s an impact player. Just before the start of the game, South Africa did their interpretation of their war chant, led by class 2.5 Diamini with the obligatory throat slashing at the end of the chant.

South Africa started with Dimiani, Degenaar, Buitendag and Fitzgerald (2.5, 2.5, 2.0,1.0) and through the first 5 minutes matched us goal for goal but with Degenaar experiencing chair problems, they subbed in Truter (3.0) and Dorfleing (0.5) for Degenaar and Fitzgerald and we quickly wenton a 4-0 run to end the quarter in the lead 12-8. For the rest of the game South Africa played weaker line ups and we ran up the score ending with a 50-31 final. But beware of South Africa as they are developing fast with the help of former Wheelback New Zealand player Peter Martin teaching them the finer points.

Some of the players to watch in future years: Dimiani, a walking 2.5 sitting tall with greatmobility. Buitendag a class 2.0 player with world class potential once he gets more high level experience. For the rest of the new crew, it looks promising and coach Martin is looking to recruit many more players, beware!

CANADA: 3.0 #7 Nording and # 8 Whitehead, 2.0 #9 Luangkhamdeng and #12 Robinson, 1.5 #4 Schmütz, 1.0 #10 Hirschfield and #3 Publicover, 0.5 #2 Mainguy.

1st Q = 12-8, 2nd Q = 14-9, 3rd Q 12-8, 4th Q = 12-6, Total 50-31

SOUTH AFRICA: 3.0: (9) Truter2.5: (8) Degenaar, (7) Dimiani, (11) Benny2.0: (2) Buitendag, (10) Mthethwa1.5: (12) Adams1.0: (3) Du Preez, (6) Fitzgerald0.5: (5) Dorfleing


09-22-2005 @ 14:00: Game 4 vs USA Stars: This was the game, how would the team play, the answer came early as the players were focused and primed to put the performance against the Stripes behind them. In the first couple of minutes we created 2 quickturnovers jumping to an early lead of 5-3 with the jump ball favouring us but as quickly as we got the lead, we gave it up with the US coming back after a couple of long inbounds gone awry and the first quarter ended in a 11-11 tie.

For most of the first half we ran Whitehead, Luangkhamdeng, Robinson and Publicover with the US running O’Connor, Jenkins, Burger and Fonner (3.0, 2.0, 1.5, 1.5), the Americans also played from 1:34 in the first quarter to 5:41 in the second quarter Bunnell, Brooks, Jenkins and De Young (3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 0.5), then throwing in the high/low. For the 3rd quarter they ran O’Conner,Brooks, Jenkins and De Young and in the fourth finished with a couple of different line ups. For our side, we mostly ran the 3.0, 2.0, 2.0 line with Publicover and Hirschfield sharing the load. The high/low was also employed with either the two 1.0’s or with Schmütz and Mainguy. With any line up out there we played well and gave the Americans all they could handle and we won pulling away 35-29.

Other US players: 1.5 Schrammel

CANADA: 3.0 #7 Nording and # 8 Whitehead, 2.0 #9 Luangkhamdeng and #12 Robinson, 1.5 #4 Schmütz, 1.0 #10 Hirschfield and #3 Publicover, 0.5 #2 Mainguy.

1st Q = 11-11, 2nd Q = 11-9, 3rd Q 6-4, 4th Q = 7-5, Total 35-29


09-24-2005 @ 11:00: Game 5, cross over game between teams that finished 2nd and 3rd in the round robin vs USA Stars. In the other crossover game South Africa will meet undefeated USA Stripes. Bronze and goldmedal games are scheduled for 13:00 and 14:30 respectively. For the rest of the story check us out later today.

It's a nice feeling knowing that you have a day off in between games. Team Canada took advantage of it with a number of team meetings and video analysis of the game against the first of two US teams we will be encountering down in Rio at the World Wheelchair and Amputee Games.

At some tournaments, we've had as many as four games a day, but at these Games, it's a more-reasonable quota of two games a day, every second day. Very civilized. :)

Here is Cathy's latest update from Rio:

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The Canadians arrived at the Naval School Rugby Venue today, defeating South Africa 50-
31 and USA 1 35-29.

After a very thorough video session yesterday afternoon, the team played well today, led by veteran Mike Whitehead. It must be the good vibes from The Quadfather, who arrived here on Tuesday afternoon. Thanks Duncan!

They now prepare for semi-finals and finals on Saturday. Unfortunately, Team Leader Cathy (that's me), President Donald Royer and Duncan will have to miss the final games as they are doing double duty in Rio and will be attending the IWAS AGM on Saturday.

The interesting tidbit of the day is our location. The Escola Naval (Navy School) is located right next to the Municipal Airport here in Rio. Our bus has to cross the end of the runway, to get to the Navy School (you don't see that every day). There is a little guard shack on both sides of the runway, to stop traffic when a jet (we're talking 737's here) lands or takes off. There is also a sign, indicating the danger of crossing the runway when a plane is landing or taking off. It is a drawing of the runway, with a plane landing, and car, in flames, being knocked backwards by the landing plane. Who needs to speak Portugese?

That's it from Rio.

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Hmmmm... if the people in Rio are anything like the people who pass through St. Louis-de-Ha-Ha, QC, or any number of oddly named places in the beautiful province of Newfoundland and Labrador, I wonder how often those signs go missing?

Good news from down south! It's worth noting as well that the US team we just beat was the one that beat US we just lost to on the first day of the Games.

Day One of Competition from Rio!

More news from Cathy...

"It was not a great day for Team Canada! In the first game of the day, Canada lost to the USA Stripes by a score of 41 - 32. Canada's players were not at their best, with numerous turnovers and generally sloppy play!

In the second game of the day, let's just say it was interesting. It was the first game, ever, for Brazil. The final score of Canada 41 - Brazil 14, was the result of a game which saw a 9-10 point Brazil lineup against a 4 point lineup for the Canadians and some generous play on the part of Team Canada. The Brazilian crowd loved it and the players were learning, so it was very positive.

The team has a video/review session tomorrow, on our day off, and a game preparation
meeting tomorrow evening.

And, transportation was trouble free today. Yea!!!!!!"

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In other games, the USA Stars team defeated the ever-developping South Africans by a score of 49 - 25. No word yet on whether their HUGE player was rostered this time. Those who have read this blog for quite some time might recall that he was the one who has made the Guinness Book of World Records for pulling planes while in his chair. He made quite an impact on one of our players last time we met...

We're also trying to track down who is on the two American teams, as currently we only know who their 16 players are, but not upon which team they are playing.

Greece revisited

Here is the latest report from Cathy Cadieux:

Hello Canada,

We had a good practice today, in spite of the heat. If it stays as warm during the games period over the next four five days, we're going to be using a lot of ice.

We gave up on the "cat food" entrees in the lunches. Our stalwart staff trekked to the local grocery to pick up some cold cuts, cheese and bread for lunch tomorrow. Of course, we also have the obligatory bananas, but sadly, no bars.

The kicker today was that, upon our arrival back at the hotel, the staff had to carry the players off of the bus. The driver and volunteer would not drive around to the ramp (or rampa in Portuguese) and drop us off there. Apparently the bus that was there had no driver and could not be moved, so we were told "off, off, no rampa, off." So there you go. Of course, I marched right into the secretariat office and filed a complaint. My only question is how long it took that written complaint to make it into File 13.

FYI, our game was changed from 11:00am to 9:30am, with our second game probably the third of the day. South Africa still has no wheels, which are expected to arrive at 9:00am tomorrow, hence the need to make the change. We've been lending them wheels all week for their practices. Their Coach, Mr. Peter Martin from New Zealand, today provided a couple of cases of the local brew for the boys as thanks. Of course, it is chilling in Whitey's refrigerator until Saturday night.

The Quadfather arrives tomorrow. That will make everyone happy. I'll update with scores and the latest tomorrow evening.

Goodnight from Rio!

- Cathy

We now have a development team participating at the World Wheelchair and Amputee Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Their opponents will be two similarly composed American teams, a South African team, and a brand new team from the host country. Unfortunately, the Argentinean team pulled out of the tournament, and the existing teams in Mexico and Columbia were unable to attend for financial reasons.

We were last at the WWG in 2003, where we competed as two Canadian teams in Christchurch, New Zealand. Canada did not attend the 1999 WWG.

Check out the schedule of the upcoming games, as well as the team members from our southerly neighbours in the USA, who have two teams of eight players each in the sunny south.

Our team leader, Cathy Cadieux sent this message out to the Rugby Road Journal last night:

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"After a somewhat shaky start here in Brazil (hotel issues between the hotel and the organizing committee), we are settled into our hotel.

Aside from the inaccessibility of almost all of the bathrooms, it is not too bad here at the Rio Othon. Hats off to staff members Marc Deschênes, Jean Choinière and Benoit Labrecque and welcome supporter Rob Parsons, for pitching in and helping the players with transfers, equipment, water runs and anything else that needs doing.

We made our way to the Naval School today for our first practice. It was sunny and hot when we arrived at 9:00am and so our practice (from 9-12) was a little steamy, given that the facility has no air conditioning. But, the weather turned as our practice finished and it became cool and breezy. Timing is everything!

Practice was good, but what was even better was lunch. Affectionately dubbed "cat food" by those unfortunate to get the lunches with the mysterious brown stuff as an entree, the lunches remained largely uneaten, with the exception of the fruit, muffin and drinks. The staff will head out to the grocery store this evening, after dinner, to stock up on more water, fruit (bananas, of course), bars (of course) and anything else that might supplement tomorrow's repast.

The afternoon, however, was inspiring. The Argentinians got into some rugby chairs, the Brazilians fielded 12 players all sporting new, shiny, yellow, basketball chairs. With some Canadian support from Coach Labrecque, HPC Marco, Coach Choinière and players Mike
Whitehead, Say Luangkhamdeng and Trevor Hirschfield, we had a game. With Americas Zone
President Dan McCauley and Marco acting as ambassadors to both teams, in was inspiring
to see the seeds of development beginning to grow in the Americas Zone.

That's it for now. We have practice again tomorrow at 9:00am, so we'll have more to report tomorrow afternoon, from Brazil!"

- Cathy

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