This from Jan Mansfield:

Canada, US Win On Opening Day of International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament

Burnaby, BC – Host Team Canada won both of its opening games Friday at the 2008 Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament in Burnaby.

Canada defeated Japan 36-35 in the first game and came back to defeat China 63-28 in their afternoon contest. The United States kept pace with a 66-34 win over China in their opening match and then defeated Japan 47-38 in their second game.

Great Britain was the only other team to win two games, defeating New Zealand 32-31 in overtime and Germany 48-40. New Zealand then went on to defeat Australia 44-38.

The tournament continues Saturday with the big game of the day coming at 9:00am when Canada faces the United States, who are the defending Canada Cup champions. The other six teams in town for the tournament will also be in action as they continue their preparation for the Beijing Paralympic Games in September.

During the Canada Cup opening ceremonies Friday, Burnaby-Willingdon MLA John Nuraney was applauded when he announced that the BC government will give a grant of $250,000 to the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championship being hosted by the BC Wheelchair Sports Association (BCWSA) and the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association (CWSA) at the Richmond Olympic Oval. A lasting legacy will be created with $50,000 of those funds.

Friday’s Results:

CAN 36 JPN 35
USA 66 CHN 24
GBR 32 NZL 31 (OT)
AUS 38 GER 31
USA 47 JPN 37
CAN 63 CHN 28
NZL 44 AUS 38
GBR 48 GER 40