Written By Jeffrey Reed
Wheelchair curling may not grab the headlines it deserves, but it’s a big deal here in Canada. In fact, the London area will again be well represented at the next Paralympic Winter Games at Milano Cortina, Italy from March 7-14, 2026.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee and Curling Canada recently announced five wheelchair curlers, including skip Mark Ideson of London, have been nominated to compete for Canada at the 2026 Games. Canada will compete in the mixed team tournament, where we’ll seek a sixth consecutive podium appearance following three gold and two bronze medals.
In fact, Canada is the only nation to have medalled in each wheelchair curling competition since the sport made its debut at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games.
Joining long-time team member Ideson are Jon Thurston of Dunsford, Ont.; Collinda Joseph of Ottawa; Gilbert Dash of Kipling, Sask.; and Ina Forrest of Spallumcheen, B.C.
The athletes will be joined in Italy by a support staff led by head coach Mick Lizmore of London who returns for his second Paralympic Winter Games. Two other Londoners – team physiotherapist Sari Shatil, and team physician Dr. Steven Macaluso – will join Lizmore, along with team leader Kyle Paquette of Espanola, Ont., family and friends coordinator Wendy Morgan of Burlington, Ont., performance science lead Kyle Turcotte of Lorette, Man. and assistant coach Dana Ferguson of Stony Plain, Alta.
Four members – Forrest, Ideson, Joseph, and Thurston – are returning from Canada’s bronze-medal winning squad at the Beijing 2022 Games. This will be Ideson’s fourth Paralympic appearance and third straight as skip. With one gold and two bronze medals to his name, Ideson will bring talent, leadership and experience to the rink next March.
“Representing Canada at my fourth Paralympic Games is an incredible opportunity,” said Ideson. “I’m lucky to be part of such an amazing group of athletes and staff, and we’re ready to take on the best teams in the world. Competing in such a historic venue will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and knowing we’ll have friends, family and fans back in the stands makes it feel even more special.”
Forrest, also a co-captain of the Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team, will be competing at her fifth Paralympic Winter Games. Forrest has captured to gold and two bronze medals, yet she has not lost any of her enthusiasm nor drive for more medals.
“The opportunity to represent Canada at the Paralympics is an athlete’s dream,” said Forrest. “There’s never a guarantee you’ll get to live that dream again, so each of my Paralympic experiences is something I truly treasure.”
The wheelchair curling mixed team tournament will take place at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The preliminary rounds run March 7-12. In total, Canada anticipates sending a team of 50 athletes to the Games.
Award-winning writer
Jeffrey Reed has covered Middlesex County sports since 1980. He is publisher and editor of LondonOntarioSports.com. Reach him at
jeff@londonontariosports.com.
