Coaching for the Invictus Games
February 8 – 16, 2025
The Invictus Games Vancouver/Whistler 2025 was an international, adaptive sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and Veterans. 530 competitors from a record 23 nations competed in adaptive sports in both Vancouver and Whistler, with 1,100 family and friends supporting them on.
For the first time in Invictus Games history, six winter sport were introduced: (primarily at Whistler Invictus Village)
- Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Biathlon
- Nordic Skiing
- Skeleton
- Wheelchair Curling (Vancouver)
These winter sports complemented the core Invictus Games sports: (primarily in Vancouver and at the Vancouver Convention Centre)
- Indoor Rowing
- Sitting Volleyball
- Swimming
- Wheelchair Rugby
- Wheelchair Basketball
The Games commenced at BC Place in Vancouver. Prince Harry was in attendance during the games and at ceremonies, as he initiated the Invictus Games in 2014 after he returned from service in Afghanistan.
The Games also emphasized cultural respect and reconciliation, with organizers collaborating with Indigenous communities. Prince Harry’s visit to the Musqueam Indian Reserve (Squamish) highlighted these efforts.
WHEELCHAIR CURLING
This is a modified version of the sport of curling, designed for athletes with physical disabilities that affect their mobility. This is the sport that I coached during the Games.
1. The Equipment:
Wheelchairs: Players use standard wheelchair equipment, allowing players to comfortably move and position themselves on the ice.
Curling Stones: Just like in traditional curling, the stones are used to slide down the ice.
Delivery Stick: Since players are in wheelchairs, they use a delivery stick, allowing the player to push the stone while seated in their wheelchair. Wheelchairs are held steady by other players.
2. Differences from Traditional Curling:
No Sweeping: The main difference between wheelchair curling and traditional curling is the absence of sweeping, which influences the speed.
Wheelchair Use: Athletes remain in their wheelchairs for the entire game, using adapted equipment to slide stones, making the game accessible to those with various types of physical disabilities.
3. Personal coaching wheelchair curling:
Several of us coached adaptive wheelchair curling at Marpole Curling Club while the same sport was being held at the Vancouver Curling Centre. This involved coaching individuals who wanted to learn a new sport while confined to a wheelchair. It required: Adaptive Techniques such as delivery of a stone using a stick while in a wheelchair, Physical Conditioning, Mental Coaching, and Injury Management as wheelchairs do tip. 5
The most impressive wheelchair curler that I coached was a 60+ female who really wanted to learn this new sport curling. She was tired after 30 minutes but very happy with her accomplishments. She is booking another coaching session soon.
In conclusion, individuals who are confined to a wheelchair, who are blind or deaf, can keep in shape by joining a sport even with a handicap. We have coaches with adaptive training, ready to coach Canadians with a disability who desire to engage in a new sport, or to keep in shape.
Submitted by Ted St. Pierre, Adaptive and School Curling Coach, former Vancouver Administrator and BCRPVPA president.
