Russia II over Scotland II for Kinross title

Boris Gorchakov, Konstantin Kurokhtin (skip),
Daria Shchukina,Mikhail Mokretcov, Aleksandr Dmitriev
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Russia II proved the class of the field, winning the final of the Kinross International 9-4 over Scotland II. Switzerland won their last two games to take second place in Group A, going on to beat Group B runners-up Norway 9-4 for 3rd place. Norway earned their playoff spot on ends scored, after tying with Canada II and Scotland 1 in round robin play.

Final
Russia II   *   1 1 0 4 0 0 3 x - 9
Scotland II     0 0 2 0 1 0 0 x - 4

3/4 Game
Switzerland *   0 1 0 2 0 1 5 x - 9
Norway          2 0 1 0 1 0 0 x - 4

Tables after Round Robin

SECTION    A
TEAM		W	L	T	Ends	Shots Up	Total shots	Pts
Scotland 2	4	3	0	1	16	+5	26	7
Switzerland	4	3	1	0	18	+10	30	6
Canada 1	4	2	2	0	13	+1	20	4
Russia 1	4	1	2	1	11	-6	22	3
Scotland 3	4	0	4	0	12	-15	19	0

.

SECTION   B
TEAM		W	L	T	Ends	Shots Up	Total shots	Pts
Russia 2	4	3	0	1	20	+9	30	7
Norway	4	2	2	0	17	+3	26	4
Canada 2	4	2	2	0	13	+1	20	4
Scotland 1	4	2	2	0	13	0	26	4
Latvia	4	0	3	0	1	-13	21	1

Ina Forrest rejoined her Canada I team in Amsterdam prior to their flying to Scotland.  TC coach Wendy Morgan professed everyone was pleased with the result though neither Canadian team qualified for the playoffs. "Early season tweaking ... everyone pleased." Bruno Yizek and Chris Sobkowicz shared skipping duties on Canada II.

An organiser's report on the final day can be read HERE.

 Michael McCreadie (skip), Michael McKenzie, Jim Gault, Ian Donaldson,
Gill Keith

Claidia Huttenmoser, Felix Wagner, Melanie Nadja Villars, Eric Decorvet,
Manfred Bollinger (skip)

Terje Rafdal,Rune Lorentsen,Maria Duncan,Sissel Lochen,Jostein Stordahl.

And Goose makes three, leaving USA 2012 wide open

Augusto 'Goose' Perez was the third Tam USA member, with Jacqui Kapinowski and James Pierce, to quit the program over the summer. This throws team selection wide open as 14 candidates gather at the Madison CC in McFarland, Wisconsin, the new centre for wheelchair curling in America, for the annual selection camp October 20-23.

Jimmy Joseph (49, New Hartford, NY) is the one survivor from the 2006 and 2010 Paralympic team and he will be joined by 2010 Paralympian Pat McDonald (44, Madison WI) who has moved his family from California to be more involved with the program. Penny Greely (40, Green Bay WI) returns from the 2011 team, and Bob Prenoveau (46, Chittanango NY), who was a part of  the 2005 and 2007 World Championship teams, is the other athlete with international wheelchair curling experience.

The 3-day camp will select eight who will then compete at two November events before the five person team for the 2012 Worlds is announced. National coach Steve Brown heads a five person selection committee looking for individual skills, game participation, strategic understanding and that catchall loved by coaches, "team/player compatibility." The eventual five will also have impressed in cumulative performance, on/off ice behaviour, team dynamics and training regimen.

Joining Jimmy, Pat, Penny and Rob are:

Catherine Cummins - 47, Portland, OR
Tyler Halatek - 40, Green Bay, WI
Stephen Hart -  62, Portland, OR
Tim Kelly -  38, Rockford, IL
Jimmy Kenner - 50, Green bay, WI
Megan Lino - 27, East Falmouth, MA
David Palmer - 51, Mashpee, MA
Steven Roberts - 16, Vancouver, WA
Pam Wilson - 56,  Westminster, CO
Gerald Wynne Jnr. - 45, Plover, WI

Scots and Russian second strings lead at end of Kinross Day 2

Scotland II beat Switzerland 8-6 on the strength of a 5 spot in the 3rd end of the morning sraw, and continued with a 7-6 defeat of Scotland III to stay top in Pool A at the end of Day 2 at the Kinross International.

Russia II beat Canada II 6-4 after three consecutive steals put them ahead 3-0 at the midway break, maintaining their unbeaten record atop Pool 2.

Canada I bounced back from their opening defeat, beating Scotland III by 8-4 and Russia I by 10-3.

Tables and full line scores can be seen  HERE

Team Canada finalist for IPC 2010 Paralympics Best Team Award

Team Canada is one of five finalists for the International Paralympic Committee's "Best Team" Award. Jim Armstrong, Darryl Neighbour, Ina Forrest, Sonja Gaudet and Bruno Yizek defended Canada's Paralympic title with a 7-2 round robin record before beating Sweden, and then Korea in the final.

Also being considered are the US and Japanese Sledge Hockey teams and the Russian Men's and Women's Cross Country Skiing Relay Teams.

The winner will be announced in December. The IPC news release is HERE.

Scots sweep Canada in opening draw of Kinross International

Canada's two teams played in the final of the Norway Open on Sunday and two days later faced Scotland's best on the opening day of the Kinross International in Scotland. They lost both games, giving up a steal in each final end.

Canada 1    *   0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0  3
Scotland 2      0 1 0 0 2 0 1 1  5

Canada 2    *   0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0  2

Scotland 1      0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1  5

The ten team tournament includes teams from Norway, Latvia, Russia and Switzerland competing in two pools, with the first and second in each pool competing in Thursday afternoon's playoff.

In other results, Switzerland beat Russia 1 by 7-5, and Russia II beat Norway 8-5. Latvia and Scotland III had byes.

You can see the table and full line scores HERE and the tournament program with team line-ups HERE

Wheelchair curling club needs your online vote NOW

 

Members of the South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club Pic: © STV

The South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club is applying for a community development grant from the Royal Bank of Scotland. You can read about their application HERE.

The club trains regularly at the Hamilton Ice Rink and will host an international event next January 18 and 19.

Secretary David Morgan said: “The money would go towards the international event as well as the development of the club.

“It’s important for people to vote for us because there’s so many wheelchair users that are caught up in poverty and can’t get access to funding which leaves them isolated because they can’t get out.

“This funding would help the social aspect and it’s a great initiative bringing an international event to South Lanarkshire.”

The organisation is hoping to run a special event on St Andrew’s Day this year and preparations are also underway for 10th birthday celebrations in February.

Voting closes at midday (7am eastern time in north America) on October 24. Here's the RBS voting page. It's a bit of a pain as you have to register before voting, but it's worth the 3 or 4 minutes that will take too support a club that is showing real initiative.
 

Armstrong over Yizek in all-Canada Norwegian final

Jim Armstrong's Canada 1  took the 2011 Norwegian Open with a 7-3 win over Bruno Yizek's Canada 2 team. Denmark beat Finland 4-3 to take 3rd place.

Canada 1 were one player short (see yesterday), which in a game without sweeping and all other things equal, offers an advantage to the players throwing three stones.

Full results can be found HERE

Canada sweep into final of Norwegian Open

Norway 1 only got to play one match against Canada in this weekend's Norway Open and were comfortably handled by Bruno Yizek's Canada 2 as the Canadians swept into tomorrow's final. Finland play Denmark for 3rd place.

Ina Forrest was unable to travel because of a family bereavement, but will join the team in Scotland.

Canada 1: Armstrong, Sobkowicz and Hibberd
Canada 2: Yizek, Neighbour, Smart and Gaudet

Full results can be found HERE

Wayne Ficek is CCA's featured athlete of the week

Jean Mills' fascinating series of athlete profiles for the CCA continues to include wheelchair curlers with this week's focus on Northern Ontario champion skip Wayne Ficek.

Read Wayne's take on a rule change that would improve the sport, and much more, HERE.

Canada posts big margin wins at Norwegian Open

Both Canadian teams posted big margin wins in the opening draws of the Norwegian Open at the Halden Curling Centre. The draw and results are available HERE.

Team Canada off to Norway and Scotland

Team Canada's only international trip before defending their World title in South Korea next February is to Norway, where they play this weekend, then on to Scotland the following week.

The Norwegian Open, to be held at the Halden Centre starting Friday, failed to attract any other contending teams and will serve as a warm-up for the Kinross event beginning next Tuesday.

Canada is fielding two teams with Calgarians Anne Hibberd and Jack Smart joining the six carded squad members. In Norway, roles and positions will be flexible, but Canada's medal team expect to play together in Scotland.

The eight teams in Norway include four local teams, plus Finland and Denmark.

The ten teams that will compete in Kinross include two from Russia, plus Norway, Switzerland, Latvia and three Scots teams. Team members can be seen HERE

NB's Capital Winter Club access fundraising close to $60K target

As part of its 50th Anniversary celebration, the volunteer run Capital Winter Club in Fredericton NB has almost reached its $60,000 fundraising target that will, with matching provincial funds allow the installation of a lift to the upstairs viewing area.

Club president Rob Wight told The Daily Gleaner: "we're hoping to extend that at some time in the future to where we can actually have wheelchair curling and give people with disabilities access to the ice."

Give-it-a-go at The Peak in Stirling (SCO) October 5th

There will be a "taster" session at The Peak in Stirling from 2.30 to 3.30  on Wednesday October 5th. Stirling WCC has 13 regular curlers and is actively seeking members.

Aileen Neilson voted "Athletes' Athlete" by Scottish peers

[photo - Alastair Stephen Photography]

Team Scotland skip Aileen Neilson was awarded the coveted Gordon Brown Memorial Trophy at the Scottish Disability Sport's AGM on September 28th.  This honour is voted for by fellow athletes to the individual who has excelled at the highest level in their sport.

Aileen skipped her team to a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships in Prague, a return to the podium for the former wheelchair curling powerhouse after several years. You can read the RCCC report on the event HERE

Team Canada devlopment camp begins in Richmond BC

Twenty six wheelchair users and a dozen coaches will gather this weekend at the Richmond CC in British Columbia, the pay-off to last season's promise that the regional development camps held across the country would lead to opportunities to connect with the present Team Canada squad and their coaches. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn what it takes to win at the international level, and use those insights to strengthen their provincial programmes.

It's easy to underestimate just how much work, and how many hours go into developing the skills that underpin winning performance, hours that for the national squad are eased by financial support, and guided by coaching staff with the resources to analyse and adjust performance. While Canada is blessed with enormous coaching experience across the country, specific experience in wheelchair curling is very limited outside of the national program, and the efforts of a handful of provincially based coaches volunteering their time.

So the weekend will be an opportunity to spread the word about good practices and proven methods that can improve standards nationally. It will also probably demonstrate how wide is the gap both in execution and ambition between those athletes with access to expert coaching and training and the resources to devote significant hours each week to their sport, and those making their own way.

Expert coaching can change that equation, especially in the area of technique, on which all else rests, and which even experienced able-bodied coaches will find alien. A stable repeatable delivery is essential to success, and while individuals will differ in their throwing motions, delivery positions, and stick configurations depending on their physique, an educated eye can help maintain the consistency that eventually allows for measured change of force, and the ability to judge distance.

Anyone disappointed at not receiving an invite to Richmond can console themselves knowing that with a settled squad holding both Paralympic and World titles and unlikely to voluntarily give up carding system booty, the opportunity to break into the squad before 2014, baring accident, illness or even more dramatic legal imbroglios than a felony drug distribution conviction, remains slim to none. The true worth of the weekend will be whether teams competing in Thunder Bay next March arrive better prepared to bridge the gap between the National Champions, and the chosen.

Quebec's Johanne Daley is this week's CCA featured athlete

 Johanne Daley playing lead for  Quebec at 2011 Nationals

Johanne Daley, who brought a wealth of high performance sport experience to her debut on curling ice in 2008, is this week's featured ahlete on the CCA website. Discover what rule she'd change, and how hard she can throw a takeout and much more in Jean Mills' profile HERE.

Wheelchair curling in the Yukon?

The Yukon Curling Association, in a news release reported by the Whitehorse Daily Star, suggests they are interested in starting wheelchair curling in the territory. There were no details given for locations, or what if any clubs might be wheelchair accessible, but Yukon wheelchair users interested in participating should contact the YCA office at 867-668-7121 or by e-mail at yca@sportyukon.com

Calgary change of venue and Edmonton's ice is in

Team Yizek practicing at the Calgary CC this month
[photo - Andy Jones]

The Ogden Legion CC, host for seven extremely successful years to Calgary's wheelchair curlers, succumbed to financial pressures and closed its doors this summer, forcing the wheelchair curling program to relocate to the Garrison Curling Club.

Regular weekly Sunday evening sessions resume at 4.45pm, commencing October 16th.

The ice is in at the Jasper Place CC, site of last year's Nationals and also host of this season's Provincial Championship January 20-22, 2012. A tweet from Cathy, the club manager (@1CathyC) suggested a wheelchair curling clinic is planned for the October 1st weekend. Contact her for more information.

Invitation to 6th Open Czech Tournament 2011

The 6th Prague Open will be held in the Czech Republic from November 25th to November 27th at the Prague curling hall.

Entry forms and hotel information are available HERE and the booking deadline is October 24. 

Ohioans offered an opportunity to learn to curl

Columbus (Ohio) Curling Club is holding another learn to curl session on Sunday October 2nd from 9 - noon. The session is designed introduce wheelchair athletes to the sport of curling, as well as for able-bodied curlers interested in learning to teach wheelchair curling.

Cost is $10 per participant and veterans are free. Visit the club's website for more information and to sign up.

McCreadie steers Scotland II to season opening win in Denmark

 Scotland II winners of the 5th Danish Open
Gregor Ewan, Ian Donaldson, Gill Keith, Jim Gault and Michael McCreadie
[photo Aileen Neilson via Bob Cowan's blog]
.

The 5th Annual Danish Open in Tårnby September 9-11 attracted a full complement of ten teams to open the 2011/2012 competitive curling season. Scotland, Russia and Norway each sent two teams, and Germany, Finland, Czech Republic and Denmark also competed.

Scotland II and the Czechs topped their groups (which were scored on more than won/loss records) with the Scots running our easy winners in the crossover gold medal game and Russia I taking 3rd. Gregor Ewan moved from Scotland I for the final two games replacing an injured Jim Gault, and did a fine job of calming any rookie nerves from Ian Donaldson and Gill Keith, according to coach Tony Zummack.

Final Standings - teams played a final crossover game between the two pools.
GB 2  beat Czech Republic for  Gold
Russia 1 beat Norway I for  Bronze
Russia 2 beat Finland for 5th  
GB 1 beat  Denmark  for 7th 
Germany beat Norway 2 for 9th

The Scots were coming from an intensive two week camp that straddled the end of August, one of several innovations their full-time coach has introduced this season. As reported by Bob Cowan, the wheelchair curlers attended as part of the newly integrated Royal Club/British Curling World Class Performance Programme, sharing ice and classroom time.

Gregor Ewan practicing his delivery line
[photo courtesy Bob Cowan's blog]

.
"It was a really good camp," said Zummack, and after eight days we had the opportunity to bring in some other competitive wheelchair curlers for a day, and then finish with a well-attended "give-it-a-go" session for wheelchair users and people interested in coaching, that several senior players stayed around for.

"We're spending a lot of time on the ice in supervised practice," he said, possible with a full-time national wheelchair coach. "From now on the squad of eight will be spending at least two 4-hour practice sessions a week, some where they will come to me, and some where I will travel to them. This hasn't been done in Scotland before, and we'll see how it goes this season, then evaluate.

"Six of the squad are using a parallel delivery and seven are using the (Eales) off-side brace, but the most important thing is they use a delivery that fits their body and with which they feel comfortable." It also appears they have dropped the long-range shooting style favoured by the previous regime.

Manitoba's Dennis Thiessen featured on CCA website

Team Manitoba 3rd Dennis Thiessen is the featured athlete on the newly revamped CCA website.

2011, after some local controversy over team formation, was a big year for Dennis and his teammates when, as Team Manitoba, they converted a string of three bronze medals into gold at the national championships in Edmonton. That win earned them an invitation to the end of September Team Canada Development/Evaluation camp in Richmond BC.

Find out who Dennis would invite to dinner, and what his favourite website is, by reading Jean Mills' profile HERE.

News from Team Canada

There are six Canadian athletes currently receiving financial support through the national carding system; the five who won gold at last year's World Championships in Prague, plus Manitoban Chris Sobkowicz, skip of the current national champions, who receives a smaller "development" grant.

The six all participated in the optional monthly training camps at Edmonton's Saville Centre over the summer, and will be joined by 20 invitees and 9 coaches at a Development/Evaluation Camp that will be held in Richmond BC from September 30-October 2.

This camp, which had initially been proposed for the end of last season, is a follow-on from the series of regional camps held by national team staff and athletes throughout last season. Invitees to Richmond were chosen in part on impressions gained at those camps, as well as performance at observed competitions, and recommendations from regional coaches.

With the present Team Canada appearing as both Paralympic and World Champions, the camp is probably less about breaking into the national team than an opportunity for athletes and coaches to familiarise themselves with national training procedures that may be carried back into and improve regional programs.

A full list of Richmond invitees can be seen at the end of this post.

An eight person TC squad will travel to Norway (October 14-16) and then with just a day's turnaround, compete at the Kinross event in Scotland (October 18-20). Albertans Jack Smart and Anne Hibberd will join the squad for those two events. In Norway the team lineups will be flexible, but the world champion team is expected to play together in Scotland.

Canada will also field two teams at the Richmond International (November 2-5) though personnel may change.

A further but smaller development camp is planned for later in the season.

Expected to attend the Richmond camp

National Team coaches Laura Farres, Joe Rea, Wendy Morgan, Gerry Peckham

National squad members Jim Armstrong, Darryl Neighbour, Ina Forrest, Sonja Gaudet, Bruno Yizek, Chris Sobkowicz

National Champions Manitoba coach Rob Lamb, with Dennis Thiessen, George Horning, Don Kalinsky, Melissa Lecuyer

BC coach Karen Watson with Frank Labounty and Alison Duddy

Alberta coach Andy Jones with Jack Smart and Anne Hibberd

Saskatchewan coach  Lorraine Arguin with Darwin Bender and Gil Dash

N. Ontario coach Dave Kawahara with Carl Levesque

Ontario coach Carl Rennick with Collinda Joseph, Chris Rees, Mike Munro and Mark Ideson

Quebec coaches Germaine Tremblay/Alan Smith with Benoit Lessard
and Carl Marquis

Atlantic region coach LeslieAnn Walsh with Joanne McDonald, Darlene Jackman and Trendal Hubley- Bolivar

Highland Wheelchair Curling begins in Inverness Sept. 27

The Highland WCC would like to encourage wheelchair users and all those with mobility problems, to join them on Tuesdays  from 1.30 to 3.30pm during the curling season at the Inverness Ice Centre. Sessions begin September 27 and you don't need to stay the full two hours.

Mo Simpson says: Wheelchair Curling is an enjoyable and social sport from grassroots to elite level. It is also one of a number of sports which can be played on an equal basis, alongside and with non-disabled people. The club will provide trained coaches and any equipment needed; just wear layers of clothing, gloves and a hat if required. Should I not be available when you come, please ask for Morven Marwick, Curling Development Officer, or Ron Wynton, Wheelchair Coach.

For further information on wheelchair curling or to book a Come and Try place please contact Mo Simpson at wheels77uk@yahoo.co.uk or tel: 01463 716227 or 07798 710404.

The Callie Commitment

As part of its commitment to bring new participants into the club, Regina's Callie CC is continuing its wheelchair curling program. If you use a wheelchair or know someone who does, join the fun. Contact Bob Capp at (306) 789-0367 or contact the Callie.

Entry deadline for 4th Annual Wetzikon (Zurich) Open is Sept. 30

The 4th Annual Wetzikon Invitational will take place October 22-23 at the Wetzikon Curling Centre, near Zurich SUI.

Competition details, including fees, accommodation and map can be found HERE along with an entry form to be completed by September 30.

Norwegian Open October 14-16. Registration deadline August 19.

This year's Norway Open will be held at the Halden Curling centre from October 14-16. The registration deadline for this event is Friday August 19 and full details including cost, transportation and accommodation can be found HERE. Email Anne Grethe Bremnes for more information.

Nova Scotia loses a skip. New Brunswick gains a mentor

 

Nova Scotia skip Mike Fitzgerald on home ice at 2009 Nationals

[photo - Ian Readey]

Nova Scotia skip Mike Fitzgerald, who shares with Colleen Jones a record of four consecutive provincial titles, is retiring from his job and moving to New Brunswick where he and his wife Anna spent their childhood.

“I depart with mixed feelings," said Mike. "Loss in leaving a team that had success from a great work ethic and good coaching. Then there is the excitement of retiring and moving home knowing I have plenty of time to help the New Brunswick program develop.

“I have learned a great deal about wheelchair curling. In the beginning there was little instruction. Now I can use all that knowledge about skill development and team dynamics to assist others who are just beginning.”

Friend and teammate Laughie Rutt said, “It's sad to see him move on but it is something Mike had planned for years. Mike took us very close to the big prize. He remains one of the premier curlers in Canada.”

Fitzgerald was known in Lakeshore Curling Club as the ultimate competitor. He could be found at the club at least six times a week either practising or playing. He also worked with new curlers to improve their skills. Quiet and reserved off the ice, you would never find him talking of his accomplishments.

Good luck, Michael.  We'll be looking forward to New Brunswick challenging at future Nationals.

Deadline fast approaching for 5th Annual Kinross International

One of Scotland's most successful independently organised wheelchair spiels is the Kinross International, held this year between October 18-20th.

The Scottish national programme will be fielding two strong sides looking to impress the home fans and Canada, Russia, Norway and Switzerland have expressed interest in attending.

Application deadline is September 3. Contact Ena Stevenson for more information.

News from team Canada

There is very little news from Team Canada other than "Team Canada has been meeting and practicing on a regular basis."

There had been hopes to organise an Albertan summer camp for individuals who caught the attention of national coaches during last season's tour. This did not materialise because of unspecified "challenges" but it is hoped that a camp (details have not yet been circulated) can take place at the end of September in Richmond BC.

I am told invitees will be those who displayed the most promise based on (the) various camps from last season or as a result of observed performances and success at the Canadian Championships.

Jim Armstrong update: Jim's son Greg has been moved to a federal prison in Mississippi. Jim tells me there "are some interesting scenario's developing" but his son's present situation prevents him from making good on his promise to tell his side of the story in public. It is a story that the CCA have apparently heard and accepted for Jim to remain on the programme.

More from the Cape Cod Summerspiel

Quesnel resident Alison Duddy features prominently in a report by Percy Hebert of the Quesnel Cariboo Observer. She talks about her team's performance at last month's Cape Cod Summerspiel where her provincial team placed second in a field that included teams from Scotland Russia and USA.

The report, which includes game situations, strategy, tips and lots of credit where it was due, is the kind of reporting that we need to encourage if wheelchair users unfamiliar with the sport are to be enticed to try it.

Alison has featured several times here, never with a view to self-promotion, and sets an example that other curlers and coaches in general and Team Canada personnel in particular might consider emulating as part of a low cost, high benefit campaign to publicise the sport.

Invitation to compete at Lausanne International December 3-4

An invitation to compete at the 5th Annual Lausanne International at the Lausanne Olympique CC can be found HERE. The field will be limited to 12 teams and the attached registration form should be returned by September 30.

Open call to try out for Team USA

The US Curling Association has issued an open call for athletes interested in representing their country at the 2012 World Championships in South Korea.

The trial will be held in Wisconsin at the Madison CC from October 20 to 23rd. The top eight candidates, chosen on both on and off ice criteria, will be required to compete in the USA Open in Utica NY and the Cathy Kerr Bonspiel in Ottawa. Expenses will be covered for those events.

From that group, five athletes will be chosen for the mixed gender team that will compete at the Worlds.

With two retirements from the US national team already announced, there is an excellent opportunity for ambitious wheelchair users prepared to put in the practice to make the team.

Full details of the camp including registration and costs are available HERE.

$50,000 grants available from Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) supports community-based projects across Canada that improve accessibility, remove barriers, and enable Canadians with disability to participate in and contribute to their communities. Grants up to $50,000 per project are available to improve the “built environment.”

If your curling club is looking to enhance its accessibility by:
• Constructing an interior or exterior ramp
• Installing wider doors or automated door openers
• Building an accessible washroom
• Installing an elevator or lift
• Enhancing interactive speech capability on a public-access computer

Visit HERE for more information on how to access funds but act quickly, the deadline for proposals is September 23, 2011.

BC residents can contact Penny Bartel for assistance in putting together a proposal.

6th Annual USA Open Utica NY November 11-13

Marc DePerno, team leader for the USA national team, has issued invitations to compete at the 6th Annual USA Open International taking place at the Utica CC November 11-13th, 2011.

Full details, including special rates on accommodation and transportation, are available HERE. Registration deadline is October 10th.

The field will be limited to 10 teams. More info from Marc DePerno.

Brits invited to a Wheelchair Curling Open Day on 4th September

Wheelchair users, coaches and assistants not already participating in the World Class Performance Programme or the Scottish Wheelchair Curling Association's Spokes Programme are invited to attend an instructional camp on Sunday 4th September from 9.30am to 4pm at Greenacres Curling Rink.

The Open Day will include both include “on-ice” and classroom sessions updating attendees on the latest technical and tactical thinking guiding the High Performance programmes.

Tony Zummack, British national coach, has been working with the national training squad on adjustments to technique with an aim of improving delivery accuracy. This camp will be an opportunity for others to hear his thinking and familiarise themselves with what Britain's most experienced athletes have been learning.

Tactical sophistication and situational awareness don't matter if you can't make your shots. Zummack believes his approach will improve accuracy, and September 4th is your opportunity to hear how he intends to do it.

There is no charge for the Open Day but numbers are limited and will be issued on a first come first served basis.

If you would like to attend the Open Day please e-mail to register.

Russia beats Cormack's BC team to win Cape Cod Summerspiel

Team Russia (red) and Team Cormack

Russia beat BC's Team Cormack 8-6 in the final of the 2nd Annual Cape Cod Summerspiel in Falmouth, MA topping a field that included the Scots "A" squad's first appearance under new Canadian coach Tony Zummack, as well as Team Quebec, and players in the USA national squad.

Vince Miele, BC's 2nd, said: "It was a close game [and] we're pretty proud that our team with our teammates spread out around the province having little time to practice together, and no coach, can hold our own against provincial teams like Quebec and national teams like Scotland and Russia.

"And what fun we're having!"

Russia, still relative newcomers to international wheelchair curling, continued the form that took them to their first semi-final appearance at the 2011 Worlds. With three seasons still to go before they host the 2014 Paralympics, they will be serious medal contenders in Sochi.

Miele reports the 3-4 game between Quebec and Scotland was won by Quebec 9-3 and the USA - USA/Canada game was won by USA by a score of 10-2.

"Our hosts and all the volunteers at this small club of about 250 have been fantastic, providing everything we needed, from transportation, to meals and even a bit of a tour. Overall, an experience we're glad we didn't miss and would be happy to come back to next year,' said Miele.

The Quesnel Cariboo Observer published a report including this photo, prior to the 1 vs 2 game. It can be read HERE.

Vince Miele, Frank LaBounty, Alison Duddy and Gary Cormack

Worlds Qualifying Tournament deadline approaching

August 15th is the registration deadline for wheelchair curling teams representing a WCF Member Association wishing to compete at the World Wheelchair Qualifying Competition in Lohja Finland between 5 and 12 November 2011.

The top two qualifiers will join the top eight finishers at the 2011 Worlds: Canada, China, Korea (host), Norway, Russia, Scotland, Sweden and USA,  at the World Championships in Chuncheon City, South Korea, 18-25 February 2012.

Germany and the Czech Republic are the two teams who competed at the 2011 Worlds in Prague but will have to travel to Finland to attempt to rejoin the chase for 2014 Paralympics qualifying points.

Invitation to 5th Annual Danish Open, Taarnby September 9 to 11

Per Christensen, the Danish national wheelchair curling coach, has issued an invitation to compete at the 5th Annual Open International taking place at the Taarnby CC.

Eight teams have already accepted, including the full 8 person Scottish squad, and teams from Finland, Norway, Germany, the Czech Republic and Denmark.

Full details, including special rates on accommodation are available HERE or you can contact Per directly by email.

Tony Zummack talks about developments in Scotland.

Great Britain coach Tony Zummack took advantage of six weeks of summer ice to hold intensive training sessions for British curlers interested in competing for an eventual place on the 2014 Sochi Paralympics squad.

"We had a series of all day Wednesday sessions in May and June where we had the opportunity to look at a lot of athletes, including some who came up from England," he told me today. "This year's emphasis will be on technical development; helping the 8 players selected for the training squad develop their mechanics, throw more accurately. I don't see why wheelchair curlers can't hit the broom as consistently as the best able-bodied curlers.

"We have divided the group into two squads: an A squad skipped by Aileen Neilson with Tom Killin, Gregor Ewan and Angie Malone; with Michael McCreadie skipping the B squad, Jim Gault, Ian Donaldson and Gill Keith who have less international experience. Each team will have different development goals with the aim of producing a very competitive team in time for the 2012 Worlds.

That's not to say that others will not emerge before Sochi in 2014, or that all of the present 8 will stay the course, and Zummack promises to keep an open mind on future prospects.

"What I believe," he said, "is that we are on the cusp of a significant advance in shot execution and overall standard of play. While it is true that wheelchair curling without sweeping can never be as accurate as high performance regular curling, efficiencies in delivery combined with increased understanding of what is and is not possible to throw accurately, and what shots are likely to bring the biggest likelihood of success, should raise stats into the 70s."

He may be right, and the adoption of the off-side brace long advocated here, and other delivery refinements will help. I would, however, be more persuaded if I had not heard similar claims from both Canadian and European coaches for at least the past four years.

Zummack is taking one team to Cape Cod (Jim Gault replacing Michael McKenzie from the Prague team). There will be a high performance camp from August 26 through September 4 and then several European spiels before the Scottish team is chosen for the 2012 Worlds.

5th Annual Rolli Trophy cashspiel in Berne SUI November 11-13, 2011

This year's Rolli Trophy cashspiel will be held in Berne, Switzerland from Friday November 11 to November 13, 2011.

The field will be limited to 8 teams. Entry fees are 300 Swiss francs for a guaranteed six 6-end games with 7,000 francs of prize money to be won.

Closing date for entries is October 17. Read the flier (English version page 4) HERE or contact Nadia Roethlisberger for more information.

2nd Annual Cape Cod Summerspiel draws international field

Teams from Russia, Scotland, Canada and the USA will be competing in the 2nd Annual Cape Cod Summerspiel July 17-20 in Falmouth, MA.

Russia is sending the team that just missed the podium when they finished 4th at the 2011 Worlds in Prague, though with a different coach, Alexandra Ryzhkova.

Tony Zummack, Great Britain's new Head Coach of Wheelchair Curling with his first competitive team selection, is bringing four of the five Prague silver medalists, Jim Gault replacing Michael McKenzie.

Canada will be represented by Team Lessard,  Quebec provincial champions looking to rebound from a disappointing 2011 Nationals, and by British Columbia's Team Cormack.

USA national coach Steve Brown will be guiding both a new-look Team USA with Patrick McDonald at skip, and a mixed USA/Canada team featuring the return to action of Bob Prenoveau at skip.

Full details of the event, draws and teams can be found HERE.

N. Ontario's Chester Draper wins the Manitoba Marathon

[photo JASON HALSTEAD/Winnipeg Sun]

Chester Draper, who plays 2nd on Wayne Ficek's No. Ontario provincial championship team won the Manitoba men’s full wheelchair marathon with a time of 1:57:26 beating that benchmark 2 hour time that marks a great performance.

Congratulations Chester, who is 71 and lives in Dryden, ON. And no, he didn't use a souped-up power wheelchair.

Video coverage from the 2011 Canadian Nationals in Edmonton

AccessibleMedia were filming at the 2011 Canadian Nationals in Edmonton. Coverage included comments from Cathy Craig, Joe Rea and Bruno Yizek.

"Come and Try" Wheelchair Curling in Melbourne, Australia

Wheelchair users in the vicinity of Melbourne, Australia are invited to a "come and try" session June 27 at 7pm and 8pm and onwards at the Icehouse.

Members of the Southern Cross Rollers, Australia's first wheelchair curling team, are competing at the Australian Championships this September. Read what they have to say about their sport and get more information about the event HERE.

Additions to the events calendar

There have been some additions to the international events calendar page on the wheelchaircurling.com website.

Invitations have been sent out for teams to compete in the Norwegian Open at the Halden Curling Center from October 14-16, 2011. Details can be downloaded from HERE.

Also the 5th Annual Richmond Center for Disability International Spiel will be held November 2-5, 2011 at the Richmond (BC) Curling Club. You can download details HERE.

USA searching for next year's team

USA are searching for the combination of players who will bring them back into contention after a disappointing 2011 World Championship brought to an end a very promising run of competitive results that had suggested medal success was close.

With two members of last year's team already announcing their retirement there was plenty of incentive for aspiring curlers to learn about the sport and perhaps impress Steve Brown, the National Team Coach, during four days of on and off ice instruction this weekend at the Green Bay CC.

Reporter Beth Jones of Fox station WLUK-TV was on hand to speak to some of the participants.

US Trials in Green Bay WI June 2-5

A National Wheelchair Curling Camp is being held at the Green Bay (WI) Curling Club from June 2-5 with the goal of increasing the athlete pool and improving medal prospects at future World Championships and Paralympic Winter Games.

The camp schedule is as follows: Thursday, June 2: Noon - 6 PM Friday, June 3: 9 AM – 5 PM Saturday, June 4: 9 AM – 8 PM Sunday, June 5: 9 AM – Noon

[Photo - MAX GERSH | RRSTAR.COM]

One of the athletes attending will be Tim Kelly, a resident of Rockford IL who has been travelling to Green Bay to learn from National Coach Steve Brown, and also play on an able-bodied league team. Tom was recently profiled in the Rockford Register Star. [read]

Thank you

I would like to thank Al Whittier and those involved in the wheelchair curling development program based at the Lennoxville CC in Quebec for their donation in support of the work that goes into producing this blog and the wheelchaircurling.com website.

Michael McCreadie back in Scotland's plans for 2014

When Michael McCreadie stepped down as British and Scottish skip after the team's disappointing run of performances up to and including the Vancouver Paralympics, he said he hoped to rejoin the program at a later date.

McCreadie continued to compete with some success on domestic teams skipped by partner Aileen Neilson, and the promise of significant changes to the national team's approach to the game under new National Coach Tony Zummack, prompted him to apply to the 2011-2012 Wheelchair Performance Program.

Michael McCreadie at the 2009 Worlds

The eight athletes selected are Aileen Neilson, Tom Killin, Angie Malone and Gregor Ewan from the 2011 Worlds silver medal team, Michael McCreadie, and newcomers Jim Gault, Ian Donaldson and Gill Keith.

2011 World's silver medallist Michael McKenzie missed out but will have an opportunity, along with the other unsuccessful applicants, to be considered for the Scottish Wheelchair Curling Association's 'Spokes' Development Program.

The talent identification and development effort promises to be an on-going process, providing incentives not only to current members to develop their skills, but to those who may yet challenge for a place on the Sochi Paralympics team in 2014.

Debbie Earle nominated Nova Scotia Female Curler of the Year

Debbie Earle, lead on Team Nova Scotia, was nominated for Female Athlete of the Year at the  Annual Awards banquet of the Nova Scotia Curling Association.

Debbie was voted All Star lead at the 2011 TSX National Wheelchair Curling Championships in Edmonton where she helped her team to a bronze medal, her Province's first podium appearance.

Debbie, who like Team Canada 2nd Ina Forrest was recruited while shopping, has just completed her second year of curling and gives most of the credit to her team mates who worked with her to develop her skills and commitment to the game. She balances work, curling, and raising a teenage daughter

CurlBC names Gary Cormack disabled athlete of the year

Gary Cormack, curling out of the Marpole CC has won CurlBC's annual award for "Athlete With A Disability." He skipped Team BC to a 4th place finish at the 2011 National Championships in Edmonton, and will be recognised at the AGM on June 11th.

Team Canada to get their banner

Team Canada will receive their World Championship banner during a presentation at the CurlBC AGM at the Richmond CC, Saturday June 11.

Canada's national team coach Joe Rea will be on hand to give brief remarks and answer questions at 11.45am.

Four of the five members of the team plus the coach live in BC.

A full schedule of the day's events, which will also be available online via webcast, can be found HERE.