Wheelchair Curling

Wheelchair Curling was first introduced to the Paralympic Games in 2006, and our program began in 2008.

Wheelchair curling is played with the same rocks and on the same ice as abled bodied curling. Wheelchair curling is a unique sport that can be played by a wide range of ability levels and ages. Unlike many traditional adapted sports that require a substantial amount of physical ability, strength and endurance, wheelchair curling is a stationary sport that requires less physical exertion. All that is needed is the coordination to exert a measured pushing force, and a tolerance for cold.

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). Wheelchair curling can be played by people with a wide range of disabilities. Wheelchair curlers can play alongside able bodies curlers

Wheelchair curlers can play in dedicated Wheelchair leagues, in open leagues/pick-up alongside able-bodied curlers, or in a variant of 'Doubles Curling' with one able-bodied and one wheelchair curler compete.

Check out this video on wheelchair curling.

Building

With one of the most accessible curling facilities in the country, we are excited to welcome curlers of all abilities! Our newly built dedicated curling facility is ADA compliant with easy access to the ice and an elevated warm room for great viewing. When we first started thinking about building our dedicated curling facility, we knew that we wanted to make sure it was accessible for all.

Ryan Shazier stopped by a paralysis Learn to Curl.

US Paralympic Curling Team stopped by the Pittsburgh Curling Club for a practice session.