Wheelchair curling drama, explained: Why authorities are investigating Paralympic games over theft of stones

Wheelchair curling drama, explained: Why authorities are investigating Paralympic games over theft of stones originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Milano Cortina remains in the spotlight weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympics, with another noteworthy sporting competition set to take hold of the Italian winter hideaway.

The 2026 Winter Paralympics are almost underway, with athletes far and wide looking to find glory across 79 events. The tournament is expected to feature plenty of fireworks. In fact, it already got its first taste of drama days before the Games kicked off for good.

Wheelchair curling is one of the Winter Paralympics' signature events. It is expected to carry similar weight in 2026. That's not entirely due to its aesthetically-pleasing nature -- although that is certain to contribute to the appeal. The event has also been marked by a rather dramatic tale, one that involves deception, mischief and thievery.

Here's what you need to know about the wheelchair curling theft that has captured headlines ahead of the 2026 Winter Paralympics.

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Wheelchair curling theft, explained

The Winter Paralympics kick off in earnest on March 6. When it does, one of its signature events -- wheelchair curling -- will be marred by a curious case of larceny.

Two curling stones were swiped from the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, World Curling spokesperson Chris Hamilton confirmed in an email to CBC.

The rocks, cut from granite and weighing in at around 42 pounds, were set to be used during mixed doubles.

No other details have been released pertaining to the threat. Mixed double teams were informed of the robbery during a meeting on March 3. Spare stones will be used to offset the loss of the original rocks. Authorities are reportedly investigating the theft, although the process to recover the stones remains unclear at the moment.

What is wheelchair curling?

Like the curling onlookers have come to associate with the Winter Olympics, wheelchair curling sees players send curling stones as close to the center of the target, also known as the tee, as possible.

The rules vary in comparison to able-bodied curling. While a team competition, the process of scoring in curling is an individual endeavor. Wheelchair-bound players use a guiding stick to send the stone down the ice. They also fix their wheelchairs within the bounds of wheelchair lines, made by laying strips of wool on ice.

While sliding the stone down the expanse of ice is an independent action, a teammate positions themselves behind the shooter to offer stability. Wheelchair curling sees players perform with their wheelchair on stationary, so the presence of a teammate aids in preventing accidents.

Sweepers are not a part of wheelchair curling. The lack of sweepers means shooters have to be more accurate than their able-bodied counterparts.

Where are the 2026 Paralympic games?

The 2026 Winter Paralympics, like their Winter Olympics predecessors, will be held at Milan Cortina. The tournament will be contested from March 6 to March 15. 612 athletes from 56 nations are set to compete in the spectacle.