The team (pictured top, in white) used the occasion to express its gratitude to those who have supported them and helped to make them into one of the most successful teams in the sport.

The women have won three Paralympic gold medals in the last five Games, as well as a bronze medal.

Canada has also reached the podium of the last six consecutive World Championships.

"I want to thank the organisations and individuals who have helped us and continue to support us: the Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba [pictured below] based here at the University, the University of Manitoba itself, the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Government of Canada," said the team's head coach, Bill Johnson.

"Specifically, I would like to thank Sport Canada and the Own The Podium programme, which has been a great supporter of ours throughout this quadrennial and continues to support us on our road to a gold medal in London."

Among those taking part in the demonstration game were Canadian MP Lawrence Toet, and Manitoba Minister of Housing Kerri Irvin-Ross.


"It makes you proud to be a Canadian when you have a team that's doing as well as this team has done," added Toet.

"It is something that our Government recognises, that Canadian athletes are an enormous source of pride to many Canadians and that they're exceptional role models for our children and young people.

"That is why we remain committed to providing record level support to the Canadian sport system, to ensure athletes have the tools they need to reach the podium at every opportunity."

The team is based at the University of Manitoba between June and August during their final preparatory period before London 2012.

The team will then travel to the Netherlands for a warm-up tournament between August 16 and 19, before moving into the Paralympic Village.

Ironically, the Canadians also begin their London 2012 campaign against the Netherlands on August 31.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]