Ice is in and ready to go, and curlers are getting excited as the season quickly approaches.
Cody Bergen, President of the Steinbach Curling Club says they are on their 76th season as a club.
“We've been going strong since day one.”
He shares that curling is a sport anyone can play, and it is for all ages.
“We have curling programs for absolutely every age group above 8 years old. So, from 8 to 80, no problem at all. And if you've got bad knees, a bad hip, or you can't bend over so well anymore, we've got stick curling. It's a little easier on the body and it's a very popular sport.”
He says the club is always looking for curlers and anybody that wants to curl should come out.
They have many different leagues including men's, ladies, mixed, senior, stick, and junior.
For those who have never curled but are interested in learning, they are hosting a free Learn to Curl Clinic on October 16 and 17. Participants are asked to register by October 14.
“It's going to be put on by a Manitoba Hall of Fame curler. She runs our Learn to Curl events and it's a great way to come out and try it without any obligation.”
Bergen explains that it is phenomenal to see new curlers on the ice, enjoying the sport.
“Watching first-time curlers come in with our junior coordinators, watching them learn throughout the season is just awesome. They play a bunch of bonspiels throughout the year and by the end of the year, it’s an incredible difference in the in the skill that they acquire.”
The Curling Club is also hosting a Stick Curling Clinic on October 15 followed by their leagues starting up on October 21.
With all the clinics, Bergen says there are no excuses for those who want to curl but are not sure where to start.
“We just ask you to bring a clean pair of shoes and a good attitude!”
Registrations for the clinics or leagues can be found on the Steinbach Curling Club’s website, steinbachcurlingclub.ca or by email at steinbachcurl@live.ca.
“In addition to the to the curling as well, we've got our Granite House Lounge is open and it's where we hang out after we curl and it's also available for rent throughout the year. And great for hosting Christmas parties, we're booking up quick. So again, e-mail us and we can see if we can squeeze you in for a Christmas party,” Bergen concludes.
With files from Michelle Sawatzky