Participants from across the country have arrived at the Sydney Curling Club in Sydney, N.S., for the Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship. This is the first time the event will be held outside of Ottawa.
On Monday, eight teams from different provinces with players who have varying levels of visual impairment took part in the opening day action.
“It’s nice to interact with other people with visual impairments, because you share stories and experiences”, said Richard Lefebvre of Team Alberta, who is totally blind. “Techniques on how to curl, and stuff like that.”
Teams from out of town were enthusiastic about the host city and the hospitality helping them navigate the new environment.
“I’m totally blind. I’m here to support the team”, said Robin East of Team Saskatchewan. “It’s the volunteer drivers, and the people and the staffers at the hotel. The people that we’re meeting. They just give us all the information about the area around Sydney and Cape Breton as a whole.”
For members of team Nova Scotia this week is a unique chance to play host.
“I think they like the place”, said Tony Shaw, a member of the Sydney Curling Club. “I’ve heard a couple of comments already about how nice Cape Breton is, and I’m quite sure a few of them will make it back this way sometime soon.”
The tournament comes after Sydney’s Centre 200 hosted last year’s World Women’s Curling Championship and the 2019 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
“We started (preparing) in May (2024), when we found out we were going to do it”, said organizing committee member John Marusiak. “I want to invite everybody to come down and watch us. It’s free, it doesn’t cost a dime and you’ll be amazed at what the visually impaired can do, especially those that are totally blind.”
The tournament continues until the medal games on Friday.
“Anybody would hope for the gold, silver or bronze medal”, Shaw said. “I’m just hoping for a great time, really.”
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
