There are few sports in the world that can bridge the gap between generations, allowing them to
play side by side, sharing not just the game but the joy and camaraderie that comes along with it.
Curling, however, is one such sport that has blessed me with some of the most cherished
memories of my life. As a child, I had the unique opportunity to curl with both my dad and my
grandpa, forming a team that spanned three generations.
I remember the first time I stepped onto the curling rink. The cold air, the smooth ice, and the
friendly chatter of the other curlers created an environment that felt both exciting and welcoming.
My dad showed me how to hold the broom and slide the stone, his patience a testament to his love
for the sport and his desire to share it with me. My grandpa, with a twinkle in his eye, recounted
stories of his own curling adventures, the years melting away as he guided me and played along
side of me.
Not many sports allow for such a unique team composition, where a child, parent, and grandparent
can all contribute equally. Curling, with its emphasis on strategy, precision, and teamwork, was the
perfect medium for us. We spent countless hours on the ice, working together to perfect our shots,
learning to anticipate each other’s moves, and developing an unspoken bond that only deepened
with each game.
Those games were more than just a pastime; they were the foundation of some of my most
treasured memories. I can still hear the sound of the stones gliding across the ice, the sweep of the
brooms, and the encouraging shouts of “Hurry hard!” echoing in the rink. The shared victories, the
lessons from the losses, and the laughter in between made each moment special. We were more
than a team; we were a family united by a common passion.
The love for curling that was instilled in me during those early years has stayed with me throughout
my life. It’s a passion that I’ve carried forward, always eager to share the sport with others and to
keep the tradition alive. The values of patience, teamwork, and perseverance that I learned on the
ice have shaped me into the person I am today. And while my grandpa may no longer be with us, his
spirit lives on each time I step onto the rink, a reminder of the beautiful legacy that curling has
created in our family.
Curling with my dad and grandpa was more than just a childhood activity; it was a profound
experience that forged a deep connection between us. It taught me the importance of family, the joy
of shared passions, and the lasting impact of generational traditions. As I continue to curl, I do so
with a heart full of gratitude for the memories we made and the lifetime passion we shared. The ice
remains a sacred place where I can feel the presence of my dad and grandpa, guiding me with every
slide, every sweep, and every stone
