With fewer than 110 days remaining until the Paralympics kick off in Milan-Cortina, Collinda Joseph, a wheelchair curler, is feeling more self-assured and liberated as she hurls rocks down the ice using a stick. Four years back, her role was more confined as an alternate in the Beijing Games. At that time, she participated in just one game but contributed significantly to Canada’s mixed team, aiding her teammates by providing feedback on the ice conditions and boosting their morale during challenging times.
Having clinched her first provincial championship in 2009 and her initial Ontario title as a skip in 2016, Joseph’s journey began representing Canada in 2019, marking her first appearance at the world championships. In China, she swiftly grasped the challenges of being an alternate, expressing how tough it is for competitive individuals at the Paralympic level to find their place on the team.
This time around, Joseph has been named as the starting lead for Canada, alongside skip Mark Ideson, second Ina Forrest, third Jon Thurston, and alternate Gilbert Dash, a seasoned national champion making his debut at the Paralympics. Joseph expressed her relief at being designated as the starting lead, giving her the confidence to learn from mistakes and seize the opportunity to make amends.
As an alternate, Joseph shared her struggles with maintaining confidence when uncertain about her game status. Canada’s head coach, Mick Lizmore, emphasized the significance of these Games for Joseph and Thurston, highlighting the fresh experience of competing with family and friends due to the absence of Canadian supporters at the 2022 Paralympics because of the Covid pandemic.
In the crucial 2022 bronze-medal match, Thurston’s strategic play secured victory for Canada against Slovakia. Italy will mark Ideson’s fourth Paralympics and third consecutive appearance as skip, embodying leadership for the team. Forrest, a veteran at 63, will attend her fifth Paralympics, having previously claimed gold and bronze medals.
Forrest’s return to the Games stems from a desire for a better experience after Beijing. Dash, from Kipling, Sask., has showcased remarkable talent in recent tournaments, contributing to Canada’s success with a silver and two bronze medals.
The revamped Canadian squad, having played numerous international matches together, continues to strengthen their bond and skills ahead of the upcoming Paralympics in Milan-Cortina. The team’s blend of seasoned expertise and camaraderie serves as a driving force for their pursuit of excellence. Canada, a consistent medallist in wheelchair curling since 2006, will commence their journey at the Milan-Cortina event on March 7 against Italy.