The B.C. Blind Curling Championships are set to happen on Vancouver Island this Thursday and Friday, with visually impaired athletes from Vancouver, Prince George, Kelowna, and Campbell River vying for victory. Arthur Monkman, a 67-year-old member of the Campbell River team since its inception four years ago, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to engage with other visually impaired sportspeople. According to Monkman, the event provides a rare chance for camaraderie among the four provincial teams that are gathering in Campbell River.
Unlike regular curling, blind curling adheres to the same rules but entails visually or auditory impaired players using cues from a sighted guide, such as a light on a broom or sound signals like whistles or clicks. A sighted team member is responsible for sweeping during the game.
The B.C. Blind Curling Championship changes locations annually, and this year marks the first time it is being hosted on Bruce Laurie’s home ice in Campbell River. Laurie, who coaches the Campbell River team at 73 years old, anticipates strong support from the local community and hopes for a successful event. While traditionally followed by Western and national championships, Laurie noted that these higher-level competitions have transitioned to biennial events due to financial constraints. Despite a national competition in Edmonton next month, participating teams in the provincial championships in Campbell River will not advance further, making this year’s competition solely for bragging rights.
Laurie, who became involved in coaching blind curlers after being approached by Kelvin Adams, the team’s late founder, emphasized the social aspect of curling for the visually impaired. He highlighted how curling offers an avenue for social interaction and engagement for individuals who may otherwise have limited opportunities to leave their homes. Additionally, Terry Pipkey from Prince George commended the inclusivity and safety of blind curling for the visually impaired community, emphasizing the fun and camaraderie that develops over time. Pipkey expressed hope that the tournament would inspire individuals experiencing vision loss to explore blind curling as a recreational option.