That’s a kick in the stones
Curling legend John, 89, is banned from club he founded 38 years ago because he tried to use a wheelchair on the ice
AN 89-YEAR-OLD curling champion has been banned from the club he founded – after trying to go on the ice on his wheelchair.
John Stevenson has been told he is no longer welcome at Greenacres Curling in Howwood, Renfrewshire.
The pensioner set up the club in 1979 but angered the current owner by attempting to take his wheelchair on to the rink.
It’s understood the five-time world junior champ did not go on when staff told him off.
John was still curling until a year ago but had to give it up as he is suffering from bone cancer and can’t walk unaided.
He had hoped to be able to continue to enjoy the sport in his wheelchair but, according to the club, this is an apparent health and safety risk. This is despite the club’s website stating their base had undergone refurbishment to make it “fully accessible” for wheelchair users.
John’s family received a letter stating that he “should no longer come to Greenacres at any time”.
His son Matthew, 63, who was the manager at the club for 20 years, said: “To ban somebody who led the club and then did so much for curling in Scotland is disgusting.
“It’s something Saddam Hussein would do.
“They said it was because of health and safety, which is a load of rubbish. No one in the world of curling has done more for the sport.
“The club wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for him.”
John is said to have helped countless players to achieve national and international wins, including Scots Olympic heroine Rhona Martin.
But in a letter to Matthew, Greenacres owner Richard Harding wrote: “I am under a legal obligation to ensure that Greenacres complies with the required standards of health and safety.
“By paying no attention to my appointed staff, he cannot any longer attend Greenacres.”
Matthew added: “To ban him from the whole club is very sad and rather draconian.
“He devoted his life to curling. Back in the day, my dad was a curler of some repute.
“He changed the face of curling in the UK.
“He set up Greenacres in 1979, built it himself and had about 2000 members. It was very, very successful.”
Harding couldn’t be contacted for comment.