It’s the time of year again to dust off the old broom, shine the rocks and bring your lucky sweater to the curling rink.
Eight teams came together Oct. 27 at the Ponoka Curling Rink to compete in the first bonspiel of the year. Organizer Less Jaster said it is the second Icebreaker Funspiel the group has hosted; mainly to bring people together for a fun evening. “It’s the first time on the ice for everybody.”
Why does he curl?
“I couldn’t skate, I couldn’t throw a ball, I was too small to block,” he joked.
But he also comes from a curling family and the tradition continued as his family was with him that night. Daughter Nikki Smith was there for one simple reason. “I like it.”
Club president Kristen Gordon looks forward to the “new faces in the room.” She was glad to welcome old members and also see new ones this season. With at least four more teams registered to the club she couldn’t help but feel positive.
“It means we’re doing something right,” she stated.
Gordon feels curling is a sport for those who have an interest in it and want to be there and her goal is to “supply resources and knowledge to people,” she explained. “I want a fun friendly environment you can share with friends and family.”
One of the things she enjoys most about curling is the sense of welcoming a person might find at curling clubs across Canada and she wants Ponoka to be just the same. “We’re here to help people learn and make sure they have fun.”
The biggest challenge she feels the club faces this year is for the executive members, who are “very passionate about our club.” to continue inspiring their members and community; especially their youth members. “We have to continue to keep our young people engaged and excited,” she said.
Her hope is they will be able to take curling with them wherever they end up in their travels. Gordon is also ice coaching Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. for those who are just stepping or sliding into the sport. There are currently six people in her class but she advised those interested to give her a call at 403-783-2370 to find out more.
There are six sheets of ice at the curling rink.