Welcome To My House
Did you know that 90% of the world’s ice curlers are from Canada? And here’s another incredible fact: 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 the Adult Learn to Curl program in Richmond Hill, Ontario to find out. Our group soon realized that the 44-pound granite stone required the delicate touch of a skilled surgeon. In no time, 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 any curler understands, it’s always 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 and celebrating well-placed shots with spirited broom raises. The rink resounds with mutual excitement as both teams support each other’s successes, affirming our sense of belonging here.
Our club is fortunate to receive help from a wide range of events and mentors from different generations, providing inspiration at every turn.
Wah, the South Korean men’s and women’s curling teams visited here last year to practice for the World Championships in Ottawa. The club had the special opportunity to watch a few exciting games, including one where Richmond Hill’s Team Balsdon competed against Team Korea. Team Balsdon proudly holds the title of the 2022 Everest Men’s Canadian Curling Club Champions.
Club member and Canadian Hall of Famer Art Lobel played vice for Quebec at their 1977 Macdonald Brier Championship win. The team then went on to Sweden for the 1977 World Curling Championships representing Canada, where they achieved the remarkable feat of winning the silver medal.
The club’s warm and inviting atmosphere offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with new individuals and promote our sport. Vito, a club member, uses social media to boost the club’s presence in our town, attracting enthusiastic new curlers. Vito also leads the Little Rock’s program, shaping the future of the clubs next rising talents.
One other program that greatly contributes to our club’s identity is the Special Olympics Team. Their upcoming journey to Calgary, Alberta in 2024 is a moment of great pride for us. We are rooting for Alex, Ruby, Gavin, Alekos, and Amanda, expressing our unwavering support with the ringing of cowbells and wishing them every success.
Like every other curling club, our lounge has a long-standing tradition where banter might be about missed shots and blaming the skip for poor broom placement. It’s where we gather, share camaraderie, and raise a glass of our preferred beverage to a game well played by the end of the night. Cheers to a sport that brings out the best in us, on and off the ice!
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