Curling Day in Canada!

Today is Curling Day in Canada, Curling is considered to be one of the world’s oldest team sports. Community rinks from across the country will open their doors to host skills challenges, friendly curling games and invite all curious newcomers to come see what the roar on the ice is all about.

Here, where I live, I’ve counted at least 35 curling clubs within an hour’s drive. Many of these clubs have been in operation for over a century. Inside each club, a rich and proud heritage exists. Banners and trophies proudly display their remarkable accomplishments. Many will often tell of their member’s National, World and Olympic wins. These rinks are where champions are made. Give your local rink a visit, you might meet an Olympian.

A published statistic I found says that 90% of the world’s ice curlers are from Canada. And here’s another incredible find: there are close to 1000 curling rinks spread across the country! It’s truly amazing to think that some of the world’s greatest curlers have emerged from these very rinks. One might argue that with such an impressive legacy, curling deserves to be Canada’s national sport!

On TV, it seemed surprisingly effortless. How challenging could it truly be? I decided to join an Adult Learn to Curl program to find out. Our group soon realized that the 44-pound granite stone required the delicate touch of a skilled surgeon. In no time, our instructors, Bill and Brian had us well-versed in balanced slides, weight control, and hitting the broom. With each class, our skills improved, but we knew that more practice, practice, practice would be necessary. As we all came to realize, it’s always going to be a work in progress.

We all completed our training, or perhaps we were gently nudged into the Learn to Curl League. Our deliveries may not be Olympic caliber, but we compensate by enthusiastically cheering on each other on and celebrating well-placed shots with spirited broom raises. The rink resounds with mutual excitement as we support each other’s successes, affirming our sense of belonging here.

The club’s warm and inviting atmosphere offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with new and familiar friends. As happens in many curling clubs, the lounge is a place with long-standing traditions where good natured banter might be about missed shots and blaming the skip for poor broom placement. It’s where members gather, share camaraderie, and raise a glass of our preferred beverage to a game well played. Cheers to a sport that brings out the best in us, on and off the ice!