SEATTLE, Wash. — For veterans like Ian Ralston, curling was a sport he'd only seen on TV. Once he was paralyzed due to an injury while stationed in Iraq, it was hard to imagine he'd ever play any sports again. But thanks to adaptive equipment created by therapists at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, he can curl like a pro.
"It's something I always wanted to do when I was able bodied, so being able to it now with the chair, it's just great," said Ralston.
He's one of nearly 20 disabled veterans who took part in a curling clinic, hosted by Granite Curling Club. The veterans get individualized instruction, and have access to the tools they need to help them slide the stones down the ice.
Event organizer Vance Pease, who is a Recreational Therapist at VA Puget Sound says these kind of activities have many benefits, but it's especially rewarding to see how much joy it brings each of the participants.
The next curling clinic will be held this fall.
