Canada’s Wheelchair Curling Pathway (WCP) aims to achieve two distinct yet complementary objectives. First, it is designed to identify, support, and develop athletes with the potential to succeed on the world stage. Through a tiered, long-term development approach, the WCP provides targeted programming and resources aligned with each athlete’s stage of development and readiness for medal success in international competition. Second, while the primary focus is on podium performance, the pathway is also grounded in the belief that a strong, inclusive community is essential to the sport’s future. By supporting participation at all levels and fostering connections across the country, the WCP aims to help grow the sport and inspire the next generation of wheelchair curling athletes, coaches, and supporters.
Community
Wheelchair curling in Canada is rooted in community. Curling Canada is committed to creating inclusive and accessible opportunities for people to get involved through local clubs, clinics, leagues and events. By reducing barriers and sharing tools, resources, and equipment support, we’re helping grow the sport and connect more people to the joy of curling. The future of wheelchair curling starts here – and it starts with community.
Pursuit Program
The Pursuit Program is the first step in Curling Canada’s high-performance pathway for wheelchair curling. It welcomes motivated athletes to explore their potential and understand the demands of high-performance sport – including whether they meet international classification standards. With a focus on skill development and individualized support, the program helps athletes build readiness and determine if a future in high-performance curling is right for them.
Accordion Content
Objectives:
- Introduce key concepts of high-performance sport
- Build awareness of Curling Canada’s Gold Medal Profile
- Support athlete exploration of fit, interest, and classification eligibility
- Targets athletes ~6–8+ years from medal potential
Eligibility Criteria:
- Canadian residency
- Interest in high-performance wheelchair curling
- Curling club membership (recommended)
- Completion of:
Program Support:
- Possible invitation to a regional camp
- Monthly+ online meetings with national coaches or IST
- Access to an introductory online hub of training and support resources
Objectives:
- Support more deliberate training with coaching guidance
- Increase exposure to competition and performance standards
- Help athletes align training, lifestyle, and goals with pathway demands
- Targets athletes ~6–8+ years from medal potential
Eligibility Criteria:
- Meets all criteria from Pursuit Identification
- Provisionally classified or classifiable
- Available for 2–5 travel days per year
- Comfortable with airline travel, hotel stays, and variable routines
Performance Standards (subject to regular updates):
- Game Rating + ≥ 90.0 (within 10% of international performance averages)
- Draw proficiency ≥ 56%
- Hit & stay proficiency ≥ 58%
- Peak hit velocity ≥ 2.70 m/s (~9.5 sec hog-to-hog)
Program Support:
- Access to National Daily Training Consultant
- Possible regional camp invitation
- Monthly+ online meetings with national coaches or IST
- Access to an introductory online hub of training and support resources
Objectives:
- Strengthen daily training with enhanced coaching support
- Increase exposure to competition and performance benchmarks
- Use assessments to guide development
- Targets athletes ~4–6+ years from medal potential
Eligibility Criteria:
- Meets all criteria from Pursuit Confirmation
- Provisionally classified or classifiable
- Travel availability: 2–5 days/year
- Comfortable with air travel, hotel stays, and varied routines
Performance Standards:
- Game Rating+ ≥ 95.0 (within 5% of international performance averages)
- Draw proficiency ≥ 56%
- Hit & stay proficiency ≥ 58%
- Peak hit velocity ≥ 2.70 m/s (~9.5 sec hog-to-hog)
Program Support
- Access to a National Daily Training Consultant
- Possible regional camp invitation
- Monthly+ online meetings with national coaches or IST
- Access to an online hub of training and support resources
Podium Program
The Podium Program is Canada’s highest level of support for wheelchair curling athletes with the potential and capacity to succeed at the international level. It aims to provide the training environment, performance support, and culture needed to thrive. The Podium Program doesn’t just aim for results; it supports athletes in winning well while seeking to develop the next generation of leaders in Canadian wheelchair curling.
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Objectives:
- Build confidence and readiness through structured training and skill development
- Increase exposure to international travel, competition formats, and performance standards
- Offer first opportunities to represent Canada against international competition
- Contribute to an impactful and collaborative daily training environment
- Targets athletes ~2–4+ years from medal potential
Eligibility Criteria:
- Meets all criteria from Pursuit Transition
- Completed Canadian Ethics for Sport Safe Sport training
- Compliant with CCES Anti-Doping program
- Travel availability: 15–30 days/year
- Likely requires international classification
Performance Standards:
- Game Rating+ ≥ 100.0 (at or above of international performance averages)
- Gold Medal Profile score ≥ 75.0
- Draw proficiency ≥ 62%
- Hit & stay proficiency ≥ 64%
- Peak hit velocity ≥ 2.90 m/s (~8.5 sec hog-to-hog)
- Demonstrates clear alignment with program direction
- Benchmark: Top 3 finish at major international event or National Championship
Program Support:
- Regular access to National Coaches and Integrated Support Team (IST)
- Invitations to 1–3 domestic training camps
- Invitations to 1–3 competitions
- Bi-monthly Individual Performance Plan meetings with National Coaches
- Bi-weekly+ online meetings with National Coaches
- Monthly+ online meetings with IST
- Full access to an online hub of training and support resources
Objectives:
- Transition from foundational development to refined high-level performance
- Demonstrate growing consistency, tactical maturity, and international-caliber execution
- Contribute to program culture through professionalism and supporting teammates
- Targets athletes who are generally considered medal possible
Eligibility Criteria:
- Meets all criteria from the International stream
- Minimum one season in the International stream
- Travel availability: 30–60+ days/year
- International classification required
Performance Standards:
- Game Rating + ≥ 102.5 (2.5% or more above international performance averages)
- Gold Medal Profile score ≥ 82.5
- Draw proficiency ≥ 65%
- Hit & stay proficiency ≥ 66%
- Peak hit velocity ≥ 3.10 m/s (~7.5 sec hog-to-hog)
- Benchmark: Top 6 at World Championship or Paralympics or National Champion
Program Support:
- Regular access to National Coaches and Integrated Support Team (IST)
- Invitations to 3–5 fully supported domestic training camps
- Invitations to 2–4 competitions (including up to 1-2 international event)
- Monthly Individual Performance Plan meetings with National Coaches
- Bi-weekly+ online meetings with National Coaches
- Monthly+ online meetings with IST staff
- Full access to an online hub of training and support resources
Objectives:
- To support the maintenance of technical, tactical, physical, psychological excellence under pressure
- Lead and shape program culture through daily excellence and innovation
- Set the performance standards for Canada on the world stage
- Targets athletes who are considered medal probable
Eligibility Criteria:
- Meets all criteria from the Top 6 stream
Performance Standards:
- Game Rating + ≥ 105.0 (5% or more above international performance averages)
- Gold Medal Profile score ≥ 87.5
- Draw proficiency ≥ 68%
- Hit & stay proficiency ≥ 68%
- Peak hit velocity ≥ 3.20 m/s (~7.0 sec hog-to-hog)
- Benchmark: Top 3 finish at World Championship or Paralympics
Program Support:
- Regular access to National Coaches and Integrated Support Team (IST)
- Invitations to 4–6+ fully supported domestic training camps
- Invitations to 3–5+ competitions (including 1–2 international)
- Monthly Individual Performance Plan meetings with National Coaches
- Bi-weekly+ online meetings with National Coaches
- Monthly+ online meetings with IST staff
- Full access to Curling Canada’s online support/training hub
Wheelchair Curling NEWS
Team Canada prevails in opening night battle against host country Italy
Team Canada enters the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games with a wealth of experience
All-Canadian strength on display at Leduc Wheelchair Curling events
Dennis Thiessen retires after a career defined by heart and hard work
Team Canada finds reps against key competition ahead of Milano Cortina
Canada’s wheelchair curling team nominated for Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
Team Canada finds its stride in early-season international wheelchair curling competition
Wheelchair Curling Pathway launches to revolutionize athlete development across Canada
