Paralympic medallist Neilson to lead Scottish charge

Paralympic bronze medallist Aileen Neilson will lead the way for Scotland next month as they look to make home advantage count at the 2019 World Wheelchair Curling Championships.

Neilson is set to compete in her ninth World Championships in Stirling from March 3-10 and will be skip as the Scotland squad attempt to better the bronze they won in South Korea in 2017.

Neilson, 47, led that side and will again be joined by fellow Sochi medallist Robert McPherson, 50.

Hugh Nibloe, who made his Paralympic Games debut in PyeongChang in 2018, is the youngest member of the five-strong Scottish squad at 37 years old while two World Championship debutants are also given the nod in David Melrose, 52, and alternate Gary Logan, 47, who will earn his first Scotland cap.

“It is always an honour to be selected to represent your country and whilst the Paralympics is the pinnacle of my career, to have the opportunity to compete in a home World Championships is right up there too,” said Neilson.

“I was a spectator at the Worlds when they were last hosted in Scotland back in 2005 and it was a light bulb moment.

​

“I had just started curling and met the team representing Scotland, and I knew, at that point, I wanted to become a competitive curler and represent my country.

“I very much hope that we will have good home support with lots of saltires in the crowds next month and our team will inspire the next generation of wheelchair curlers to whatever level they aspire to.”

British Curling head wheelchair coach Sheila Swan added: “This is the most important annual event in our sporting calendar, providing our first opportunity to gain crucial qualification points for ParalympicsGB towards the next Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2022.

“Our team comprises a mixture of experience and new talent, which will aim to deliver another medal-winning performance on the return of this tournament to Scotland.

“The last time we hosted the tournament was also the last time we won gold and we are looking forward to the backing of our Scottish supporters, who will no doubt play a huge role in welcoming all nations to the biggest event outside of the Paralympic Games.”

Scotland team for the 2019 World Wheelchair Curling Championships (March 3-10):

• Aileen Neilson (skip)
• David Melrose
• Robert McPherson
• Hugh Nibloe
• Gary Logan