Wheelchair curling is a Paralympic sport that requires teamwork and precision. In wheelchair curling, two teams compete by sliding the heavy granite stones down the ice to get as close as possible to the centre of the “house”.

 

The sport is played by athletes with physical impairments in the lower part of the body. Athletes deliver stones from a seated position and their teammates can hold their wheelchair for stability.

 

A delivery stick is used to push the stone into motion. There is no sweeping so once the stone is released, its path is set. So the shots require a significant level of accuracy.

 

Wheelchair curling is also a game of strategy. Strategies can include: blocking their opponents, aiming for the centre, and full takeouts.

 

In the mixed team event, there are four active players and one alternative. Each game as eight rounds, also known as “ends”. Both teams deliver eight stones per game, one at a time, taking turns.

 

Each game of the mixed doubles also has eight ends, with each team delivering five stones per end. Two stones are pre-positioned at the start of the end to create immediate action.

 

Wheelchair curling is governed by World Curling. Curling Sports Federation of Hong Kong China Limited is the member of World Curling in Hong Kong, China and the organization of elite development of Wheelchair curling in Hong Kong, China.

 

Source of information credit: International Paralympic Committee