Wheelchair Curling
Wheelchair curling is an adaptation of curling for athletes with a disability that affects their lower limbs or gait. Wheelchair curling is governed by the World Curling Federation, and is one of the sports in the Winter Paralympic Games.
Wheelchair curling is played with the same rocks and on the same ice as regular curling, though the rocks are thrown from a wheelchair and there is no sweeping. Rocks may be thrown by hand by leaning over the side of the wheelchair, or pushed with a delivery stick. A delivery stick is a pole with a bracket that fits over the rock handle, allowing the rock to be pushed. In Wheelchair curling, each team must be comprised of male and female players.
Visually Impaired/Blind Curling
Curling for the Visually Impaired/Blind is essentially the same as regular curling. The difference is that each team has a sighted guide to assist the players in their rock delivery. The guide first describes the location of the rocks in the house and the type of shot that the skip has requested. The guide then assists each player in delivering the rock. Depending on the degree of visual impairment of the player, the guide may hold the broom at a short distance in front of the player, set a flashlight on the line of delivery or communicate with the player to ensure that they is lined up correctly in the hack.
Curling Program on PEI
Wheelchair Curling and Curling for people who are visually impaired/blind is offered October through March at the Cornwall Curling Club. It is one time a week for 2 hours.
Registration: Please contact the ParaSport and Recreation PEI office
Registration Fee: $50.00