ANTHONY “TONY” COLACCHIO TO BE POSTHUMOUSLY INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME
[EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, August 27, 2026] — A longtime builder of curling and wheelchair curling in the United States will be honored with induction into the USA Curling Hall of Fame.
The late Anthony “Tony” Colacchio both grew the sport from his home base in Massachusetts, and also fueled the development of Paralympic sport nationwide.
Tony was a longtime leader at the Cape Cod Curling Club in Falmouth. He served in a number of roles—Club Chair, President, Vice President. He also made significant financial contributions to expansion efforts, and stepped in to manage construction projects. In addition to his efforts at the club, he was an active member of the community and helped drive many changes that contributed to the well-being of the people who call Falmouth home.
It was, however, his leadership in the sport of wheelchair curling that had the most significant impact, as he elevated this emerging sport at the local, regional, and national levels. He was a Team USA coach and, at his home club, he introduced the sport to future Paralympians Meghan Lino and Dave Palmer.
His commitment to Paralympic sport was vital to wheelchair curling participation, and as longtime Cape Cod curler and fellow USA Curling Hall of Famer Russ Lemcke noted, “…Tony made wheelchair curling happen in the United States.” His vision, along with his commitment to club accessibility and athlete recruitment, helped introduce countless people to the sport.
Three-time Paralympian Steve Emt said, “When I came off the ice after a bad shot or a bad training session, Tony was always there to greet me with open arms, a huge hug, and the words, ‘That’s curling.’ He taught me right away what this wonderful sport was all about, and he changed my life. I am who I am because of Tony.”
Colacchio will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2026 Members’ Meeting, scheduled for October 3rd at Rock Creek Curling Lafayette, CO.
About USA Curling
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, the Dale’s family of beers, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Ice, Sports & Solar (ISS), Rock Solid Productions, Jet Ice, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of World Curling and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.
