WWCC 2005 in Braehead, Scotland

Braehead is a superb location for the upcoming WWCC, located only three miles east of Glasgow International Airport and eight miles from Glasgow city centre. The world-class rink, famous for the Curling World Championships 2000 and the International Wheelchair Curling Bonspiel, provided excellent wheelchair access for both participants and spectators.

Sixteen teams were piped onto the ice to an enthusiastic welcome from the spectators. After six days of exciting competition, the Scottish team defeated Denmark by 7-6, therefore retaining their World Wheelchair Curling Champion title. The Swiss team made it to the semi-finals where they lost 7 – 4 against the Scottish team, but nevertheless won the bronze medal.

The WWCC have taken place each year since 2001. Incidentally, this steadily growing sport began in Sursee, Switzerland. To the great pleasure of all participants, Wheelchair Curling is now officially a Paralympic sport and will make its debut in Turin 2006. The World Championship at Braehead was the final event that counted towards qualification for upcoming Paralympics.

It looks to be an exciting competition next year; with teams participating from Scotland, Denmark, Switzerland (the top 3 WWCC teams 2005), but also from Canada, England, USA, Denmark, Russia, Norway, Wales, Japan, Italy, Sweden, Bulgaria, Korea, Germany and Poland.

Photos courtesy of Hugh Stewart

Sources:
http://www.wwcc2005.com/index.cfm
http://wwcc.curlit.com

For more information, visit http://www.wwcc2005.com