As the countdown to the 2026 Paralympic Games in Italy nears its end, Canada’s wheelchair curling team is intensifying its preparations for the upcoming competition.
This year, a cutting-edge virtual reality program, developed in Alberta, is set to enhance the team’s chances of clinching the gold medal.
“To our knowledge, there are no other programs designed for seated users that provide a virtual simulation enabling them to see their bodies within the virtual environment,” stated Jennifer Dornstauder.
Dornstauder, the engineering technical lead on the project, spearheaded the development at Red Deer Polytechnic towards the end of last year.
“This eliminates training environment restrictions, travel constraints, and physical limitations typically encountered when tapering training before a competition,” she explained.
“By focusing solely on tactics and strategy training, we can remove many physical barriers.”
Canada’s wheelchair curling team has consistently secured a place on the podium at every Paralympics, a feat unmatched by any other country, partly attributed to their embrace of innovation.
Utilizing Virtual Technology
Often referred to as “chess on ice,” wheelchair curling sets itself apart from traditional curling due to the absence of sweeping, placing a heightened emphasis on strategic planning to guide the rock accurately.
“The use of technology is essential for executing precise shots in our sport. The virtual reality component is truly groundbreaking and will elevate our game,” remarked Dana Ferguson, the mixed doubles coach for the national program.
“Given our team’s dispersion across the country, it is crucial to find innovative ways to train and connect, and the VR platform facilitates this,” she added.
Moreover, the simulation mirrors the competition venue, utilizing images from Curling Canada, thereby aiding athletes like Collinda Joseph in familiarizing themselves with the environment before the event.
“Adapting to the environment can take a few days, time we can’t spare. The VR experience offers a visual representation of the arena, which is incredibly beneficial,” Joseph noted.
WATCH | Experience the wheelchair curling VR simulator:</