Curling More Than Just A Game

Sweep! Sweep! Hard! Harder!

These familiar words echo throughout a curling rink with all levels of intensity. I must admit that I am one of those skips that shout rather loud instructions to his teammates.

My loud voice is a result of a number of years spent unable to hear mild mannered skip’s instructions over the shouts from adjoining sheets and rink rats pounding the ice.

I always tell new curlers not to take my shouting personal and that it is meant only to guide and encourage them.

One year I learned that a skip’s shouts can mean more than just direction for some curlers.

That fall, as we began a new curling season, I realized Ken; an avid curler was missing from our roster.

Upon discovering he was fighting a life threatening battle with cancer, his curling companions stepped up to support him in any way that they could.

It was a yearlong battle and one night when the curling season was almost over a frail Ken came in the club and sat down behind the glass.

I was at the far end of the rink giving my usual vocal instructions to my team.

Ken came through the door, stood on the back boards and watched and listened.

After a few minutes a smile came over his face, he gave me a big thumbs up and went back inside and sat down.

After the game when I told him how glad we all were to see him back at the club, he replied, “I very much appreciated the support of all my curling friends this past year and often thought of my good times at the club during my health struggles…

The image in my mind of you shouting “hard and harder” spurred me on in in my battle with cancer.

I felt you and my fellow curlers were there with me, encouraging me to fight hard and not give up.

When I stepped out on the ice and heard your voice hollering sweep and hard and harder it felt so good!

I was back!

I had reached my goal!

I had won my battle!

Curling a game that can help you deal with the challenges in your life!

A memorable evening indeed at the Sutton Curling Club!