wheelchair curling thriving at Ilderton CC

For those not beholden to national fundraisers like Own The Podium, wheelchair curling is about enjoyment - something easily forgotten amidst reporting's natural emphasis on competition and drama.

Ilderton Ontario's program has been rebuilt on that firm foundation. The coach, Ernie Comerford, after relocating to London Ontario and looking to recreate the success he helped biuld in Calgary, saw Ilderton CC had the closest accessible ice. It also had a storied history, hanging three Canadian Championship banners plus the Torino Paralympic Gold Banner; a leagcy of Chris Daw's early involvement at the club. But participation had collapsed post Torino, and it took a whole winter to encourage the first two wheelchair users to enter the ice in the Spring of 2008.

Since then there has been a steady growth in participation at the recreational level, while two teams played in this year's Cathy Kerr, one reaching the semis. Two players, Mark Ideson and Mike Munro, attended the National Training program and participated on Team Canada II in Richmond in November.

This season the recreational group meets on Sundays from 11 am until 1 pm.  The competitive group plays in a regular mixed league weekly and attends separate practices during the week.  The Club intends to enter two teams in the January 2012 Provincials near Ottawa, with the hope that will expand to three in the future.

The Club belives in outreach, and owns a set of demonstrations rocks to promote the game and recruit newcomers at local malls.

Here is a video af highlights from the 2010-2011 season that gives a taste of the positive energy that motivates the club.



Wheelchair Curling is alive and well in the London area and it keeps getting better, says Ernie.  Anyone interested should contact Ernie Comerford at 519-203-0087 or by email at erniecomerford@rogers.com.

Team Ideson from London ON to curl at the Brier

Skip Mark Ideson, 3rd Mike Munro, 2nd Tony Reyne
lead Jacqui Kinahan and Coach Ernie Comerford

Ilderton Curling Club's Team Ideson, the mostly rookie team who made the semi-final at the Ontario Provincials, will take to the ice during the 5th end break of the Brier 1 vs 2 game, March 11 at the John Labatt Centre in London Ontario.

Mark Ideson, with teammates Mike Munro, Tony Reynen and lead Jacqui Kinahan will demonstrate a variety of shots to what coach Ernie Comerford epects to be 8-10 thousand spectators.

"They'll be representing all of Canad's wheelchair curlers," said Comerford. "and I think the crowd will be impressed by their skill. It's great publicity for this wonderful sport in Ontario and across Canada.

The London wheelchair curling program has doubled its membership this year and expects even more participants after this appearance.

You can read a LONDONER article by Chris Montanini on the program, its coach and players HERE.

Ernie Comerford, Coach and League Coordinator can be reached at 519-203-0087.

Curling around London Ontario

The Accessible Sports Council for the London Ontario area, reminds wheelchair users that the Ilderton CC is the base for local curling. The program is run by coach Ernie Comerford, who was instrumental in establishing the sport in Alberta before relocating to Ontario.

Sessions are held Sundays from 11AM to 1PM. More details HERE.