Douglas Dean to Represent Canada at World Wheelchair Curling Championship

Douglas Dean, a 60-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ontario, is set to make his debut for Canada at the upcoming world wheelchair curling championship. Not only is Dean the first curler from Northern Ontario to compete for Canada in this event, but he is also the first from the region to do so.

In a statement, Dean expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It means a lot, especially at 60 years old. I thought my athletic career was over until the sport of curling came about. What means even more to me is that I am proudly wearing the Maple Leaf, not only representing Canada, but also all of the Northern Ontario curlers who paved the way for me. There’s a lot of people that I curled with in Northern Ontario that helped me tremendously in achieving this goal.”

Dean, a longtime skip at multiple national championships, will be throwing second stones for Canada at the tournament in Stevenston, Scotland. He will be joined by Jon Thurston of Dunsford, Ontario, Gil Dash of Wolsely, Saskatchewan, Collinda Joseph of Stittsville, Ontario, and alternate Chrissy Molnar of Trent Lakes, Ontario.

Canada has a strong history in wheelchair curling, having won eight medals in 17 world championships, including three gold. The 2025 world championship also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. With Canada tied for first in qualification points with China, a berth in the 2026 Paralympics is almost guaranteed.

Following the team tournament, Canada will also compete in the world mixed doubles championship, where they currently rank seventh in Paralympic qualification. Mark Ideson of London, Ontario, and Ina Forrest of Spallumcheen, British Columbia, will represent Canada in the mixed doubles event.

Dean, who uses a wheelchair due to a back injury sustained in an industrial accident at age 19, started wheelchair curling in 2011. Despite his relatively short time in the sport, Dean has quickly risen through the ranks and is now poised to make his mark on the international stage.

Reflecting on his journey, Dean stated, “Any time an athlete gets the honour of representing their country is huge because there’s so many athletes out there that could possibly have the chance, or deserve the chance, and just don’t have the opportunity. Any time you get that opportunity, you’ve got to jump on it and make the most of it.”

With Dean’s determination and skill, Team Canada is poised to make a strong showing at the world wheelchair curling championship and secure their spot in the 2026 Paralympic Games.