The Peak is set to host an important international wheelchair curling event (October 20-23).

Teams taking part are Russia, USA, Latvia, Switzerland, Norway and England, as well as two teams from Scotland, the current Olympic bronze medal holders.

Most international wheelchair curling events take the form of four end games, with no time restrictions and often with no umpire involvement. Teams heading for the larger competitions, such as the world championship and Olympics can get a shock when they are faced with games that last twice as long, eight ends, as well as having to face time clocks and umpires. Some can be overawed and find the experience demanding.

With that in mind and at the request of some international teams, this competition has been designed to follow exactly the same format as the Olympic Games and the World Championship.

That means games will all be eight ends in duration, they will be subject to time clocks and there will be umpires in attendance. In addition there will be practice time for teams prior to each game.

Teams therefore see this competition as an important learning experience in their training for the world championship to be held in Lucerne, Switzerland in February 2016.

During the week there are sure to be some really interesting tussles as USA take on Russia, Scotland tackle an up and coming and seriously ambitious Team England and more. Team England are all from the north east of the country and have transferred from wheelchair basketball to curling.

For more information and how to get involved in wheelchair curling at The Peak, email mcmillanh@activestirling.org.uk or call 01786 273555.