Lachine Curling Club wheelchair program in full operation
The Lachine Curling Club is making waves in the Montreal sporting community by officially launching a dedicated adaptive junior curling program. The initiative started as a pilot project last year but is now an active program focused on ensuring that curling is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability.
The program’s core philosophy is simple: curling should be a sport for life and a sport for all. Both traditional and adaptive curling require significant physical effort. The Lachine Curling Club’s adaptive program offers three means of throwing a rock, depending on physical capacities, and it uses specialized equipment to compensate for mobility restrictions.
The club’s facilities and ice surface are pre-pared to accommodate wheelchair users, and for those who cannot crouch into the traditional “hack” position, specialized sticks allow players to launch the stones from a seated position. Instructors at the club are trained to work with various mobility needs, focusing on technique and strategy rather than physical strength.
Beyond the game, the program emphasizes the social importance of curling. Laurie Chambers, Jennifer Kokesch and Dan Barsanti are the program’s founders. Chambers and Kokesch highlighted the importance of the “après-curling” culture, where young players gather at the club to socialize, fostering a sense of belonging and community that is often missing in other adaptive sports, the co-founders say.
The club is actively working to expand its program by inviting new junior members to take part in a free trial. Both Kokesch and Chambers emphasize that no prior experience is needed, as the club provides all the necessary adaptive equipment for beginners. Although the focus has been on starting a juniors program, Kokesch said they would welcome any adults who would like to give it a try.
As the Lachine Curling Club continues to strengthen its adaptive offerings, it stands as a model for other sports organizations in Quebec. “It’s a welcoming place for all curlers,” shared Chambers.
“There’s a camaraderie amongst the kids here,” said Kokesch. “All of their diagnoses and needs are different, but they are all on the ice playing the same game, enjoying it together.”
Info: lachinecurling.com
