The words ‘Wilson Sports’ may bring a multi-national company to mind, but at the Quinte Curling Centre in Belleville, Ontario, they apply to a multi-generational team.

In 1951, a 22-year-old woman stepped onto a curling sheet and rarely stepped off.  Except for a few years when raising babies superseded raising brooms, Carol Wilson has spent winters at a curling rink in Ottawa, Kitchener, Toronto and Belleville.

She found leagues that offered babysitting and took advantage.  When formal arrangements were not available, she alternated with other moms to provide childcare so they all could continue curling.  

Over the decades, with a growing family and an expanding family business, Carol was happy to keep her competitive spirit at the club level.  In 1968, Carol was part of the contingent that pressed for, and won, the establishment of an evening competitive women’s league – a league that is still running today.

After her granddaughter Carly returned from university, Carol encouraged her to try Learn to Curl.  Carly was hooked, just like her grandmother.  In 2019, daughter Barb and daughter-in-law Tori joined Carol and Carly.  COVID cut their first season short, wiped out the second season, but Wilson Sports is back on the ice.  With Carol’s 70 years’ experience leading the team, the Wilsons are having a great season, delivering rocks and inspiration to curlers everywhere.

What’s it like curling with three generations?  “Wonderful!”, exclaimed Carol, “I wouldn’t still be curling without them.”

What’s it like curling against Wilson Sports?  “Fun, but formidable”, replied one of her opponents, “In 70 years, Carol has seen every kind of curling situation and is not afraid to tackle any shot.  It’s a treat and a learning experience to play against them.”

This team is the epitome of Curling Day in Canada – shared passion for the greatest sport in Canada!

Three generations of curlers! Submitted by Laura Hare on behalf of the Quinte Curling Centre and the Wilson family.