The Colombia men’s wheelchair basketball team will head into August’s Parapan American Games in Toronto with good memories and ambitious targets. At the last edition of the Games, in Guadalajara in 2011, the South Americans were the surprise package, beating favourites Canada to reach the final. Although they lost to the USA, their earned a debut appearance at the Paralympic Games, the following year in London. Now their mission is closer to home: win a place at the first Paralympic Games in South America.

To do that, the Colombians will again have to reach the final at the Parapans. That will mean overcoming reigning Paralympic champions Canada and world silver medallists and defending Parapan champions USA. And doing so on a much smaller budget. But the Colombian players believe they have other virtues that can help them.

“Other national teams have more resources and thus a stronger preparation,” said Oscar Rios in an interview with the International Paralympic Committee website. “But Colombia has hardworking players that enhance their level in adversity. It’s not a utopia to think about reaching the final in Toronto and qualifying for Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. That is the dream we all have and we will do the best we can to make it come true.”

Colombia’s limited budget means they cannot undertake a full preparation programme that normally would include warm-up matches against their potential rivals. Some of the team’s best players play abroad – such as Rodney Hawkins, who plays for Turkish side Galatasaray – making it difficult for the whole team to train together.

“It is sad, but it is the reality, so we have to adapt ourselves to it,” said Jhon Hernandez, who plays for Zaragoza in Spain. “Coach Alex Carrillo sends information to each player about how we should prepare and what exercises we should do to be fit and ready for the competition. However, we have already demonstrated that we are good enough to play against any of the strongest teams and win: Canada, the United States and Argentina.”

Carrillo hopes his players can surprise their rivals again and prove that 2011 was just the start of things.

“It would be marvellous to repeat such a victory because it would mean we are still among the best, and that participating at London 2012 Paralympic Games was only the beginning of a road full of achievements,” he said. “In Toronto, the public will see a great spectacle. Either you reach the final and qualify for Rio, or you are out.”

The Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games will take place between 7-15 August and will feature around 1,600 athletes from 28 countries competing in 15 sports.