The country have qualified for the Games for the first time and as such the dozen put forward will make history in Brazil.

Canada's squad, led by head coach Nicole Ban, includes Chantal Beauchesne, Angelena Dolezar, Danielle Ellis, Leanne Muldrew, Jennifer Oakes, Shacarra Orr, Heidi Peters, Tessa Popoff, Amber Skyrpan, Felicia Voss-Shafiq, Jolan Wong and Katelyn Wright.

''By qualifying for and competing at the Paralympic Games in women's sitting volleyball, we have reached a new level of excellence,'' said Ian Halliday, the high performance director of sitting volleyball for Volleyball Canada. 

''This team has showed tremendous fortitude and perseverance to reach a common goal.''

Canada's Chef de Mission Chantal Petitclerc, a 14-time Paralympic wheelchair racing champion, gave the team her support.

"'These players have shown terrific dedication to become our first Canadian sitting volleyball team to compete at the Paralympic Games,'' she said.

'Congratulations to the players and staff for a taking a giant step in their programme, and all the best as you work towards a peak performance in Rio.''

Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities who won three Paralympic bronze medals in the swimming pool, added: "I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the sitting volleyball athletes nominated to Team Canada for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

"'I know from experience that competing for our country at the Paralympic Games is a unique and humbling experience. 

"On behalf of all Canadians, I wish you well as you enter the final stages of your preparation on the road to Rio."

Canada's women will play hosts Brazil, Ukraine and Russia in Group A at Rio 2016, a Games due to open on September 7 and conclude on September 18.