Growing the Game: Wheelchair Curling in Saskatchewan
Wheelchair Curling in Saskatchewan: Team Andrews Leading the Way
When Team Andrews first discovered wheelchair curling, none of them expected it would change their lives. Today, the Saskatoon-based team — made up of Pete Andrews, Mark Kennedy, Ashley Berg, and coach Peter Kennedy — is at the forefront of growing the game for athletes with disabilities in Saskatchewan.
Their journey began at a Try Go event hosted by the Sutherland Curling Club a few years ago, where Paralympians Moose Gibson and Marie Wright introduced newcomers to the sport. “We all went just to try it,” said Mark Kennedy. “It was educational, fun, and we fell in love with it right away.”
For Pete Andrews, who curled decades ago before his injury, that first session reignited a long-lost passion. “At first, I thought wheelchair curling wouldn’t be the same — maybe even boring,” he admitted. “I was totally wrong. It’s the same game, just with a few adaptations. I wish I’d started sooner.”
That mix of rediscovery and challenge has fueled their success. Competing together for just one season, Team Andrews finished second at the provincial championship — earning their spot at the 2025 National Wheelchair Curling Championships. “It was meaningful,” said Pete. “It proved we belonged there.”
Nationals became a defining moment. Spending a full week together gave the team a chance to grow both on and off the ice. “You learn everyone’s routines,” said Ashley Berg. “How they prepare, what they need to be at their best — and how to support each other as a team.” Competing at that level also showed them just how close the margins are between top and mid-tier teams. “We saw how fine the line is,” Pete said. “Some of those curlers have been at it for 20 years. It pushed us to see what’s possible.”
Beyond competition, wheelchair curling has had a profound personal impact. “It’s been great physically and socially,” said Pete. “It gets you out of the house and back around people again. You start running into folks in the grocery store who recognize you from curling — it builds connections.” For others in the wheelchair community, seeing Team Andrews compete has been uplifting. “People come up and say they’re proud of us,” said Steve. “It gives them hope — maybe they’ll try it too.”
Accessibility has been one of their biggest hurdles — and one of their greatest motivators. From needing ramps to finding ice time, the team has had to advocate for space and visibility. “When we first started, there were no dedicated wheelchair leagues,” Mark explained. “We joined able-bodied leagues just to get ice time.” While some club leaders were hesitant at first, acceptance grew quickly. “Once we got out there, we proved we could compete,” said Pete. “Now, they’ve installed ramps and made improvements for everyone.”
Their willingness to mentor others is helping that progress continue. Team Andrews regularly helps newcomers learn delivery techniques, strategy, and chair alignment — ensuring that others can start their curling journeys more easily than they did. “It’s rewarding to share what we’ve learned,” said Mark. “If we can help even one more team get started, that’s a win.”
Working alongside CURLSASK and Curling Canada, Community Development Coordinator Jamie Regier has been supporting these efforts through grants, awareness campaigns, and the Grow the Game initiative. “It takes time,” Regier said, “but clubs across Saskatchewan are starting to make accessibility a priority. Every ramp, every new participant — it all matters.”
As the sport grows, so does the vision. Team Andrews hopes to see a full wheelchair curling league in Saskatoon someday — and more teams across the province. “We want to keep growing,” said Mark. “More players, more accessible rinks, and more opportunities for people to get out and play.”
Reflecting on their journey so far, Pete summed it up best: “The most surprising thing has been how fast you can learn and how competitive it is. We’ve picked it up quickly — and we’re only getting better.”
From mentorship to advocacy, Team Andrews is proving that curling’s strength lies in its inclusivity. With their dedication and spirit, wheelchair curling in Saskatchewan isn’t just growing — it’s thriving.
Three Ways Wheelchair Curling is Growing the Game in Saskatchewan
- Mentorship in action — Team Andrews is sharing skills and confidence with new curlers across the province.
- Breaking barriers — CURLSASK and local clubs are improving accessibility through ramps, grants, and awareness.
- Building inclusion — Integrating wheelchair teams into able-bodied leagues is helping create a more connected curling community.
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