What is Wheelchair Curling?

Wheelchair curling is played with the same rocks and on the same ice as regular curling, though the rocks are thrown from a stationary wheelchair and there is no sweeping. Rocks may be thrown by hand while leaning over the side of the wheelchair, or pushed by a delivery stick. This is a pole with a bracket that fits over the rock handle, allowing the rock to be pushed while applying correct rotation.

Who Can Take Part?

Wheelchair Curling is open to individuals who are non-ambulant or can only walk short distances. This includes athletes with significant impairments in lower leg/gait function, such as spinal injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or double leg amputation, who use a wheelchair for daily mobility. Each team must be comprised of male and female players.

Classification

In competitive curling, there is a single class that all athletes play in, although they must meet the minimum eligibility criteria.

World Curling Federation

The World Curling Federation governs Wheelchair Curling, and it made its Paralympic debut in 2006.