More Youngsters Lured By Roaring Game
25/02/2009 00:00
Curling rises in popularity as more kids, teens emulate world champion Martin
With world champion curler Kevin Martin based out of Edmonton's Saville Centre, it's only natural the roaring game is becoming more popular -- especially with young people.
"I'd like to curl in the Olympics just like Kevin Martin," said Braxton Gossel, 12, who has been curling since he was six -- including playing skip -- and hopes to do so for many more years.
"I like curling because there's always good sportsmanship," said Gossel.
Young curlers in Alberta participate in three category levels: junior, aged eight to 11; intermediate, 12 to 15; and senior, 16 and up.
"Entries in our three bonspiels this season show increases in all levels," said Marylynn Morris, executive director of the Northern Alberta Curling Association.
"The most growth was seen in the middle group (intermediate)," said Morris, adding the numbers have almost doubled in that category this year. One of the reasons is that more school groups are taking up curling.
The rising popularity of the sport can be seen in the Sherwood Park junior curling program, run out of the Glen Allan Recreation Complex.
"We have a waiting list for some kids as young as six and seven," said curling instructor Marilyn Davis, who handles a group of 30 kids in the junior category.
"Our numbers are growing in the sport and I think that's because we have curlers like Martin and (Randy) Ferbey in the area," said Davis. "It really encourages kids to get involved in the sport."
Mark Harder, 12, plays with Gossel and relishes being involved in almost every shot."I really like curling because everyone has a chance to do something -- sweeping and throwing," he said.
"In hockey, you only get a chance to score if someone passes you the puck."
Davis said she sees friendships develop on the ice because there are just four players on each team -- unlike many other team sports.
"There's a lot of encouragement from teammates when a good shot is made," said Davis. "And I think we hear that encouragement because the players know how hard the game can be."
Mackenzie Giffen, 12, said he enjoys learning the strategy used in curling.
"Trick shots are fun, too," said Giffen.
Morris hopes young curlers "learn it's a life-time sport and stay with it as an adult."
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s great to hear that more and more youngsters are getting into curling at early ages. It’s something that will serve them well and keep them out of trouble as they get older.