Willow Square residents hurry hard for wheelchair curling

Recreation therapists turn their love of the sport into fun outings for all

Story by Logan Clow

FORT McMURRAY — Curling is a popular part of a new recreational therapy program that’s bringing enjoyment and promoting wellness for residents of Willow Square Continuing Care Centre.

The program, which first hit the ice this past winter, offers local Alberta Health Services (AHS) continuing care residents opportunities to participate in modified wheelchair curling at the Fort McMurray Oilsands Curling Club.

“Curling is one of many inclusive recreational activities we offer to Willow Square residents,” says Tiffany Butler, an AHS recreation therapist at Willow Square. “These opportunities allow our residents to integrate and socialize within the community, while improving their overall health and wellness.”

On a typical outing, four to six residents are joined by local AHS Recreation Therapy staff. Together, they travel to the curling club at MacDonald Island Park on their Willow Square handibus.

This recreation therapy program is offered at various times over the winter months. Scheduling is based on ice availability, as well as the timing of other Willow Square recreation programs. The wheelchair curling program recently wrapped up mid-March.

“Curling is one of the most accessible sports because it can be easily adapted for a variety of abilities, mobility levels and ages. There are many physical, cognitive and social benefits for curling,” adds Hailey Kanak, also an AHS recreation therapy assistant at Willow Square.

“Offering curling with some small modifications ensures it’s engaging, accessible and inclusive for our residents, while reducing physical strain.”

For safety, each resident remains seated in a wheelchair while curling. Before going onto the ice, each wheelchair and footrest is cleaned. Residents get onto the ice using a portable ramp, which was purchased by the local AHS Recreation Therapy team, with thanks to an Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association bursary.

A half-sheet of ice is used to curl. Based on their comfort and ability, each resident can choose between two sizes of curling rock to deliver. To reduce physical strain, residents remain seated and use a delivery stick to release the rock. Recreation Therapy staff then sweep as the rock glides down the sheet.

Both Butler and Kanak note resident feedback has been positive, with some curling for the very first time.

“I loved it. I hope we go again. It was fun,” says Nicole Belanger, a Willow Square resident.

“It was fun. I loved it. Thank you so much,” adds resident Emily Boser. Talk of starting the curling program began with Butler and Kanak in 2023, who are both active members at the curling club and trained to coach curling.

“We’re always looking at new ways to offer more accessible opportunities for our residents to participate in physical activity and community-based programs,” says Kanak. “We thought wheelchair curling would be a great opportunity and sport to explore, given our familiarity with the sport and local curling club.”

As well as winning approval from the curling club’s board of directors, the duo also reached out to the club’s ice making team to ensure wheelchairs wouldn’t damage the surface.

The curling club contributes curling delivery sticks for residents to use, as well as the ice time, at no charge.

If residents remain enthusiastic, Butler and Kanak say they hope to keep sharing their curling knowledge and passion for the sport with Willow Square residents.

Offering opportunities for residents to participate in recreational, community-based programs remains a priority for the local AHS Recreation Therapy team. Last year, residents were invited – with support from the MacDonald Island Park – to watch the Canadian Under-21 Curling Championships and Baseball Canada Cup at their facility.

Staff are also exploring future opportunities to offer fishing, ice skating, and adaptive wheelchair winter trail walks to residents.