Argentina women take aim at Rio 2016
BUENOS AIRES (2015 FIBA Americas Women's Championship) - Argentina are getting a head start on the competition and already beginning their preparations for the FIBA Americas Women's Championship that will take place in Canada (9-16 August).
The stakes will be high, something all of the players will be acutely aware of when they arrive at the Centro Nacional de Alto Rendimiento Deportivo (CeNARD) on Monday to begin a six-day training camp.
One of those to be involved is 24-year-old Ornella Santana, who is on the books of Deportivo Berazategui.
La Selección Femenina se prepara en busca del gran sueño. La palabra de @ornesantana12 ---> http://t.co/LfXiPRH2tn pic.twitter.com/fjAI3t50aD
— CABB (@cabboficial) January 31, 2015The 1.79m center has experience in the national side that is coached by Cristian Santander.
We are beginning the training early to prepare us in the best possible way. - Santana
She first featured in the senior team at the 2011 FIBA Americas Women's Championship.
"We want to give everything that we have and to hold nothing back. It's a unique opportunity and we can't waste it."
Gracias @Kappa_Argentina por el regalito para las #GIGANTESARGENTINAS @Pauwelsia genio!!@_nachaperez @vicullorente pic.twitter.com/eEwoh6N1bt
— ornella santana (@ornesantana12) February 9, 2015Argentina will play at the Pan American Games this year and later at the Americas Championship in Edmonton, Canada, where Olympic qualification is the main aim.
After taking part in the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women and coming up well short of their goal, Argentina also failed to reach the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women.
The hunger to do well has created a competitive environment.
"Reaching the Olympics is the dream and we are all fighting for a place in the team," Santana said.
Also invited to the training camp at CeNARD are: Sofia Aispurua, Julieta Armesto, Magali Armesto, Julieta Ale, Andrea Boquete, Agostina Burani, Diana Cabrera, Sofia Castillo, Sofia Chelini, Celia Fiorotto, Nadia Flores, Zulema Garcia Leon, Victoria Llorente, Fernanda Melo, Natacha Perez, Natasha Spiatta and Gisela Vega.
FIBA
