Regina hosts “world’s largest” wheelchair curling bonspiel

REGINA – The First Steps Wellness Centre has helped hundreds of people with spinal cord injuries and mobility issues improve their mobility, and on Saturday they let people step into the chairs of the people they serve.

Twenty-four teams competed at the organizations fourth annual Wheelchair Curling Funspiel.

Aside from shooting in a wheelchair, the major difference between this and regular curling is that no one is sweeping to guide the rock.

“I think it’s actually a lot harder without sweeping because you need to find the right way to throw the rock. It’s tricky,” said Jessica Frotten.

Frotten became paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident in 2009 outside of Whitehorse, YK. After the accident she moved to Regina after learning about First Steps. It wound up being a life changing move for the 27 year old.

“When I first came I wasn’t independent at all,” she explained. “I couldn’t really do anything for myself. No I’m 100 per cent independent, and I’m on the Canadian National Wheelchair Racing team.”

Frotten has competed in the Para-Pan-Am Games in 2015 where she won bronze in both the 100m and 400m sprints.

In June, she will be taking part in the 2016 Rio Paralympic trials.

First Steps uses physical therapy to help people like Frotten regain their quality of life. This Funspiel, in addition to a banquet and online donations, is part of their annual fundraising drive.

“It’s obviously important as a non-profit to raise funds each year so we don’t have to pass costs onto our clients or people that could really benefit from our program,” said Executive Director Paul Campbell.

The Funspiel isn’t so much about bringing in money, but showing people what it’s like to compete in para-sports.

“So it’s a chance to bring together people who have disabilities and don’t have disabilities play a wheelchair sport. So it helps us bring light to people and para-sports,” he explained.

First Steps recently began to expand their focus. Now they also help people suffering from conditions like muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis.