TORONTO (2010 FIBA World Championship for Women) - Canada will be looking to build on their impressive summer of 2009 when they run onto the floor at the FIBA World Championship for Women in the Czech Republic later this year.

Allison McNeill’s team captured the bronze medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in Brazil and will this year go up against world champions Australia, European juggernauts Belarus and Asian giants China in Preliminary Round Group A in Ostrava.

As part of their preparations for the Czech Republic, Canada will host Chile and Sweden in a four-game exhibition series from July 17-29 at the Richmond Oval in Richmond, British Columbia.

McNeill, who hails from British Columbia, said: “Playing against international opponents like Chile and Sweden will be a great start to our competitive season.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to have our senior women compete on home soil in front of Canadian fans.

“We hope to relive the passion for sport that the fans displayed during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.”

FIBA