SPINAL INJURIES SCOTLAND CURLING EXPERIENCE DAY

Such a great turnout for our Curling Experience Day down in Dumfries, showcasing what's available locally. We had members from all over the area travel to the Dumfries Ice Bowl to give it a go on the ice. Hard to believe that it was the first time for most of them, the standard was so high.

Members were introduced to “The Roaring Game” (called this due to the 'roar' coming from the noise of the granite stone as it travels over the ice) by paralympic wheelchair curlers Michael McCreadie and Aileen Neilson. They shared their knowledge and tips on the ice, from the different ways to throw a curling stone with the curling cue (Which has a specially adapted end which fits onto the handle of the curling stone), how to throw our stones clockwise and anti-clockwise and the different outcomes of each type of throw, how to line up our wheelchairs and how to buddy each other by holding onto the wheels at the back of each other’s chair.

    

The second part of the session was where it got competitive!! The members were put into groups where some played a mini game whilst others played a target game aiming for the brush in the house (the big target).

We were also joined on the day by Cheryl Lappin, the British Curling Paralympic Pathways Manager, keeping an eye out for new talent and sharing her expertise!

“Having previously tried curling without having an adapted stick I found it frustrating as I couldn’t grip the handle due to lack of hand function. However, Mary had organised for a range of adapted sticks which allowed me to grip the handle and play curling against other sci participates competitively. It was a very enjoyable day at the ice-bowl which I learnt new techniques on how to play curling.” Michael, Member.

To round up the day we all headed upstairs to the curling lounge where organizer, our Peer Support Advisor Mary Bell, introduced Aileen and Michael to give an inspirational talk about their time competing where they both showed their Paralympic Medals.

This was followed by a prize-giving ceremony. Four trophies, beautifully hand made by Mary, were handed out - Best New Curler which went to Steven Harvey, Positive Attitude Award went to Michael Turner, Good Buddy went to Bob McBride and Derek Walls got the Good Sportsmanship Award.

    

"What an experience being taught wheelchair curling by Paralympic champions. A thoroughly enjoyable event, great company, plenty of laughs and hope it’s the start of a curling adventure." 

Stephen, Member

All who participated on the day received a certificate and some SIS goodies along with another Mary hand made gift of a curling stone keyring. 

"A totally different experience. It was cold but we were hot! Learnt a new skill now need to practice! A competitive social! Great day. Now I need a new kind of stick! Clockwise or anti clockwise - ask the skip! Invest in long johns, curlers are cool!"

 Steve, Member

We would like to thank The National Lottery Community Fund for sponsorship, Graham Sloan of Dumfries Ice Bowl for fantastic ice and for helping us organize the event, along with everyone that took part and volunteered to make it such a wonderful day.