Chess on Ice: Grant Boosts Wheelchair Curling

Preston Wheelchair Curling Club is set to welcome new participants following a £1,500 grant from Lancashire County Council. This financial boost will directly support the offering of free 'taster sessions,' alongside the acquisition of essential new equipment and team clothing. The club, which has been active since 2018, emphasizes the strategic depth of wheelchair curling, likening it to 'chess on ice' due to its focus on forward planning and tactics.

The funding will help offset the cost of specialized equipment, such as cues that can exceed £600. Unlike traditional curling, the wheelchair version does not involve brushing stones, demanding a higher degree of skill in delivery. The club, located at the Flower Bowl entertainment centre in Garstang, boasts a diverse membership, with ages ranging from 11 to 78, and encourages participation from all.

Inspired by the visibility of curling during recent Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the club hopes to draw more interest. Coach Rick Hills highlighted the social aspect of the club, noting it's a 'super bunch' that enjoys catching up over refreshments. Elite players from the Preston club have even competed against non-wheelchair users, proving their competitive prowess.