Wheelchair curling
Wheelchair curling had its debut at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. The sport is open to male and female athletes with a disability affecting their lower limbs (single/double-leg amputation) or athletes who have substantial disability caused by, for example, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. The sport is now practiced in 24 countries and governed by the World Curling Federation (WCF).
Wheelchair curling is played similarly as non-disabled curling using the same rocks and on the same ice, although the rocks are thrown from a stationary wheelchair and there is no sweeping. Each team must be comprised of male and female players.
For more information on Wheelchair curling visit the World Curling Federation.
Wheelchair curling is not currently delivered in New Zealand, however, Adaptive Snow Sports Programmes in other Winter Sports are offered at most New Zealand ski resorts, with opportunities to progress to the international level. Register your interest now!