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| 2003 Pan American Games - News |
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Canadian Racquetball team named for Pan Am Games; Grand'Maitre poised for third straight Games appearance. Racquetball Canada is pleased to announce the team that will represent Canada at the Pan Am Games in August in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. In singles action, Calgary residents Brian Istace and Lori-Jane Powell, along with Mike Green of Burlington, Ont., and Winnipeg's Jennifer Saunders make up the Canadian singles players. Penetanguishene, Ont.'s Cory Osborne will team with Francois Viens of Rock Forest, Que., in men's doubles. National team veteran, Josee Grand'Maitre of Longueuil, Que., will join Julie Neubauer of Calgary in women's doubles. "I think overall we have a real strong team," said Canadian head coach Michel Gagnon. "With Mike and Brian playing singles on the men's side, anything is possible. "We have a good chance in women's singles too. An then with Josee playing doubles and all her international experience, we should have a really strong women's doubles team as well." "Overall, I think we can be among the top two (countries)." Gagnon added that he has set a goal of winning six medals; two of which he hoped would be gold. With the announcement, Grand'Maitre, 41, is set to become the first Canadian racquetball player to appear in three Pan Am Games when she hits the court in Santo Domingo. Grand'Maitre also appeared in Winnipeg ('99) and Mar del Plata ('95). She has also been a member of the Canadian team at six world championships and 12 Tournament of the Americas. "To play in three straight Pan Am Games is a real accomplishment," said Gagnon. "Not many players in any sport get to go to three Games. I think her experience is good for the whole team." Canada's top-ranked singles player, Kane Wasenlenchuck of Edmonton has been ruled out of the squad because injuries have forced him to miss the past two national championships and two selection events. The 21-year-old is currently the No. 2 ranked men's player in the world. In addition to Grand'Maitre, Powell is the second member of the Canadian team to have previous Pan Am Games experience. Powell won a silver in Winnipeg in 1999 while teamed with Debbie Ward of Prince George, B.C., in women's doubles. Green, Istace, Neubauer, Osborne, Saunders and Viens will all be appearing in their first Pan Am Games. Five players on the Pan Ams team - Grand'Maitre, Green, Osborne, Powell and Saunders - recently played in the Tournament of the Americas, winning three medals against many of the same competitors who will be at the Pan Ams. Green won silver in men's singles and Grand'Maitre and Powell each picked up a bronze in women's singles and doubles, respectively. The U.S. is expected to field the toughest team on paper, with Mexico and Canada also sending strong squads. Bolivia and Chile both will send balanced men's and women's teams, while Argentina's men's squad is expected offer stiff resistance. The Pan Am Games will take place Aug. 1-17 in Santo Domingo, involving 7,500 athletes from 42 nations. Racquetball competition starts Aug. 5 and runs through Aug. 10. For more information, please contact Peter Robinson 647.227.5540 or visit www.Racquetball.ca. |
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