PARIS, France Team USA opened pool play today at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 with a 51-48 win over Canada. Top scorers for the U.S. were Chuck Aoki (Minneapolis, MN) with 21 and Josh Wheeler (Tucson, AZ) with 11.
Playing in front of a lively crowd in the Champs de Mars Arena the match was back and forth for much of the opening minutes of play. The U.S. was able to capitalize on quick scoring and a solid defensive strategy to go up by two, leading 14-12 at the end of the first. They were able to extend that lead to four but as the first half came to a close, Canada had fought back to narrow the gap to one with the U.S. still up 25-24.
The U.S. defense executed well in the second half of the match as well and were able to keep, then increase the U.S. lead to see them finish with the 51-48 win.
The arena crowd certainly played an exciting role in today’s match. “It is incredible to be back, “said USA Co Captain Eric Newby (Nashville, IL). “Tokyo was a special place but not having a crowd left a big void there, it never quite felt like the Paralympics. Being back in front of a crowd like we were in Rio is very special, it is very intense. Having my family, especially my daughter getting to her first Games makes it so special. Hearing the USA chant at a USA versus Canada game is one of my favorite feelings of all time.”
Head Coach Joe Delagrave agreed that the atmosphere brings a new element to the court this year. “Good to get out there for our first game,” said Delagrave. Fans in the stands, lot of friends and family here cheering us on, with six athletes experiencing their first Games and all of this atmosphere it was good to get this one under our belts.”
Today was a history making day for the squad with the first female athlete for the US Wheelchair Rugby Team, Sarah Adam (Naperville, IL) making her Games debut with six trys in today’s match. “It is a really exciting time for women in sports, “said Adam. “It is great to see us getting the recognition we’ve always deserved. I am so glad that fans will have the opportunity to fall in love with our stories and our sports and to get to do all this alongside this amazing team is truly an honor. I have worked hard to become an elite athlete and am proud to be part of this team.”
Next up for the United States is Japan on Friday, August 30th at 6:30 am CT. For scores, stats and highlights visit usawr.org
Photo Credit: Joe Kusumoto/USOPC