Momentum continues to build for Canadian wheelchair curling as Curling Canada’s National Wheelchair Curling Program partners with Fitzrovia—Canada’s largest developer of purpose-built rentals—as its first program partner of this kind.
This partnership comes at a pivotal time of growth and revitalization for Canadian wheelchair curling as the National Program continues to evolve and innovate both on and off the ice. With a new grassroots-to-podium pathway set to launch in the fall, the support and contribution of key partners such as Sport Canada, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and now Fitzrovia are crucial to support the foundations for Canada’s Paralympic aspirations.
“This is the first ever partnership of this kind for the National Wheelchair Curling Program, and we could not be more excited to partner with an organization like Fitzrovia, who, like us, strives to be a leader in their field,” said Kyle Paquette, Director of Wheelchair Curling. “Their commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and a culture of excellence, along with their strong ties to the sporting community, creates an incredible opportunity for us to lead together and strengthen connections to the parasport community across Canada.”
Given the close alignment in values and goals, this partnership provides exciting opportunities for collaboration and mutual impact. With shared values of inclusivity, innovation, and community, this partnership not only expands the program’s resources but also brings more attention to the sport, encouraging more organizations to follow suit and increasing visibility and exposure among athletes, coaches, and fans in the Canadian sporting community.
“We’re proud to support Canada’s National Wheelchair Curling Program and the athletes who represent our country with such skill and determination,” said Adrian Rocca, founder and CEO of Fitzrovia. “This partnership reflects our belief that all athletes deserve access to the resources and recognition they need to compete at the highest level. We hope it encourages others in the private sector to step forward and help build a stronger, more inclusive future for Canadian sport.”
This support sets the stage for future partnerships and signifies recognition and appreciation for an incredible group of athletes and coaches from across the country. It’s pivotal to have organizations eager to invest in parasport, and it certainly lends a helping hand as we enter a new era of wheelchair curling in Canada.
“Our program is in an exciting stage of growth as we expand opportunities, target innovation, and build momentum for the future,” said Mark Ideson, National Program Athlete. “We, as athletes, are truly grateful to Fitzrovia for believing in us and our sport, and we look forward to working with them to achieve our shared goals.”
This gratitude extends beyond the athletes, echoing through Curling Canada on its path to be a leader in the parasport community.
“We are excited to have a great company like Fitzrovia partner with our National Wheelchair Curling Program and help support its journey this upcoming season,” said Nolan Thiessen, CEO of Curling Canada. “Their faith in the program, the athletes within it, and Curling Canada is appreciated and valued in this important season ahead.”
Alongside this first-of-its-kind partnership, Curling Canada, the National Wheelchair Curling Program, and Fitzrovia look to inspire more organizations to invest in parasport to increase support, awareness, and participation at all levels.
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For More Information:
Larissa Simone
Communications Coordinator
Curling Canada
Tel: 365-340-4833
larissa.simone@curling.ca
Ryan Funt
Vice President, Marketing
Fitzrovia
rfunt@fitzrovia.ca