Curling Canada has officially unveiled its roster of athletes vying to represent the country at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy. Leading the charge are two of Canada’s most accomplished wheelchair curlers, Mark Ideson and Ina Forrest, who bring a wealth of experience and a history of success on the international stage.
Canada has built a remarkable legacy in Paralympic wheelchair curling, securing medals in five consecutive Games. The nation earned gold medals in 2006, 2010, and 2014, followed by bronze medals in 2018 and 2022. This sustained excellence highlights Canada’s status as a powerhouse in the sport, and the team looks to continue this winning tradition at the upcoming Games scheduled for March 6 to 15, 2026.
This year, Curling Canada announced 14 athletes selected to the national wheelchair curling program for the 2025-26 season. These athletes are preparing rigorously as they chase the coveted spot on the Paralympic team. The pool includes seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, all united by their dedication and competitive spirit.
Mark Ideson, from London, Ontario, is a prominent figure in the wheelchair curling community. As skip, he led Canada to back-to-back bronze medals at the Paralympics, alongside silver medals at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships in 2020 and 2023. His leadership and strategic skills will be invaluable for the team’s quest for Paralympic success.
Joining Ideson is Ina Forrest of Spallumcheen, British Columbia, a two-time Paralympic champion. Forrest’s experience and competitive drive have made her a cornerstone of the team, inspiring fellow athletes with her perseverance and skill. Together, Ideson and Forrest headline the strong Canadian squad aiming to reach the podium once again.
Among the returning athletes are Jon Thurston of Dunsford, Ontario; Gilbert Dash of Kipling, Saskatchewan; Doug Dean of Thunder Bay, Ontario; and Ottawa’s Collinda Joseph and Chrissy Molnar. These athletes bring recent momentum, having earned bronze at the 2025 World Wheelchair Championship held in Stevenston, Scotland.
Despite their impressive track record, Ideson and Forrest fell just short of qualifying Canada for the Paralympic debut of mixed doubles, losing to Japan in the quarterfinals of the World Mixed Doubles Championship in March. Nonetheless, Canada secured qualification for the mixed team event, where the focus will be on maintaining their medal-winning performance.
Additional senior athletes named to the program include Toronto’s Jillian Hopkins, Dennis Thiessen of Sanford, Manitoba, and Marie Wright of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. These players add depth and versatility to the team, ensuring Canada remains competitive on all fronts.
Curling Canada’s head coach Mick Lizmore emphasized the team’s commitment and camaraderie in a recent statement. “This group of athletes shows up every day with determination, ready to put in the work and improve,” he said. “The support they give one another, along with their families and staff, is what makes this journey unique. Their focus is on reaching the Paralympics prepared and ready to perform.”
Alongside the senior team, four athletes—Karl Allen of Keene, Ontario; LeeAnn Cayer of Port Robinson, Ontario; Terry Fowler of Cochrane, Alberta; and Reid Mulligan—were named to the NextGen program. These rising stars will gain valuable international experience in upcoming competitions in Switzerland, Scotland, and the Czech Republic.
Looking ahead, national mixed and mixed doubles events will be held in Leduc, Alberta, in January 2026. These tournaments will be crucial in finalizing the team and sharpening competitive edges ahead of the Paralympic Games.
Canada’s official announcement of the final Paralympic team is expected this fall, as athletes continue to train intensely, united in their goal to bring home Paralympic glory once more.
