Canada Women Quest Begins

Canada's women's basketball team has begun its march to the FIBA Americas championship — and hopefully on to the London Olympics.The team opened camp at the University of Fraser Valley on Monday, the first phase of its summer-long schedule geared toward qualifying for the 2012 Summer Games. Canada would earn an Olympic berth with a victory in the FIBA Americas tournament. If the Canadians finish between second and fourth, they'll move on to the FIBA World Olympic Qualifier Championship, June 25-July 1. The camp roster includes nine women who played in last year's world championships, including team captain Teresa Gabriele of Mission, B.C., and national team veterans Kim Smith of Mission, Chelsea Aubry of Kitchener, Ont., and Ottawa's Courtnay Pilypaitis. Three member's of last year's team won't be at camp — Kaela Chapdelaine and Jordan Adams have both retired, while Natalie Achonwa will spend the summer at Notre Dame University taking summer courses and training.

A squad chosen from training camp will compete in exhibition games in Europe between May 27 and June 12. The players will return to the University of Fraser Valley on July 26 for the second phase of training, which includes a tour of games in Asia. The third phase will conclude in September, when the final team will be selected and leave for the FIBA Americas tournament in Colombia. The Canadian women haven't made an Olympic appearance since the 2000 Sydney Games