As the 2026 Paralympic Games in Italy draw closer, Canada’s wheelchair curling team is diligently preparing for the competitive event. A VR program, developed in Alberta, is set to enhance their training methods with the aim of securing victory.
Jennifer Dornstauder, the engineering technical lead of the project from Red Deer Polytechnic, highlighted the uniqueness of the VR program tailored for seated users. She emphasized how this innovative tool eliminates various training constraints, providing a focus on tactics and strategy without physical limitations.
With a history of podium finishes in every Paralympics, Canada has maintained a strong position in wheelchair curling, partly attributed to their openness to embracing innovation. The VR technology offers a strategic advantage in a sport often likened to “chess on ice,” where precise shot-making is pivotal.
Dana Ferguson, the national mixed doubles coach, lauded the VR’s potential to elevate their gameplay by facilitating remote training sessions and enhancing visualization of the competition arena. Collinda Joseph, a member of Canada’s Paralympic team, appreciated the familiarity the VR simulation provides, aiding in quicker adaptation to the tournament environment.
The use of VR in wheelchair curling signifies a progressive shift towards incorporating technology to improve performance. Athletes like Terry Fowler and Gil Dash emphasized the community’s eagerness to adopt advancements that can influence their competitive outcomes positively.
The development of the VR program, known as “Chess On Ice,” resulted from a collaboration between Dornstauder and Curling Canada officials. The project, completed within a short timeframe, posed technical challenges that the team overcame to create a realistic and immersive training experience for para athletes.
Future enhancements to the VR software, such as multiplayer modes and interactive features, aim to not only benefit current athletes but also introduce newcomers to the sport. The technology is seen as a tool to broaden accessibility and understanding of wheelchair curling, ultimately expanding its reach to a wider audience.