VANCOUVER – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated Canada’s wheelchair curling team, whose outstanding performance was rewarded with a gold medal at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
“The work and effort of Canada’s wheelchair curlers has been rewarded,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “They have shown the world that Canada is at the top of its game in wheelchair curling.  They demonstrated all the concentration and skill needed to win this well-deserved gold medal.  On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sincere congratulations.”
The Canadian team is comprised of skip Jim Armstrong, lead Sonja Gaudet, second Ina Forrest, third Darryl Neighbour and alternate Bruno Yizek.  Ms. Gaudet is the only returning athlete from the 2006 Turin Paralympic Games gold medal-winning team.
 
Wheelchair curling made its official debut at the 2006 Paralympic Games in Turin.  The sport is played according to the rules of the World Curling Federation, with a few modifications.  Teams are made up of men and women with a physical disability in the lower part of the body.  For more information about this sport, visit the website of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.
 
The 2010 Paralympic Winter Games are being held from March 12 to 21.  More than 1,000 athletes and team officials from more than 40 countries are competing in a five-sport, 64-event competition schedule at venues in Vancouver and Whistler.  Canada is represented by more than 50 athletes at the competition.