St. Albert Curling Club hosts sensory-friendly drop-in for neurodiverse people

The St. Albert Curling Club hosted its first-ever sensory-friendly event called 'Stones, Sweeps and Neurodiverse peeps.'

The St. Albert Curling Club hosted a Saturday morning sensory-friendly drop-in event designed for neurodiverse kids, teens and adults.

Stones, Sweeps and Neurodiverse Peeps was organized by Nicky Kaufman to create a safer, more welcoming environment for people interested in curling but needing a more relaxed environment.

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“I was recently diagnosed with autism and ADHD, and curling has done so much for me,” she told CTV News Edmonton on Saturday. “So I wanted to give back and show everyone that curling can be a game for anyone, no matter your abilities.”

Some of the features of the event were dimmed lights, smaller crowds, a private room for anyone who needs a break and having neuro-affirming instructors and volunteers around.

“Some of the more physical sports are challenging, but I love the structure of curling. It’s very friendly .. it’s very orderly, and the strategy keeps me interested,” Kaufman added.

“You’re welcome here, just as you are. Doesn’t matter if you need accommodations, like you need to wear headphones or sunglasses or you need to stim or fidget. Everyone’s welcome.”

Logan and Brody were part of the group who came out on Saturday.

“I’m trying to get Brody interested in some sports, and he loves winter, so I figured curling would be a perfect introductory winter sport for him,” Logan said.

“Yes, it’s my favourite sport,” Logan added.

Charisma, Kaufman’s niece, is starting to get into curling and was there to support her aunt’s diagnosis and the event.

“I feel like she just wanted to make a safer place for people … she shows support when it comes to hockey for me, so I give it back,” she said.

The club is hosting a second event on Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kaufman said, based on the positive feedback the inaugural drop-in got, she’s hoping interest will grow.

“I hope we can grow this into something bigger, hold more sessions, maybe a learn to curl program and eventually bring in a special, sensory-friendly league,” she said.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Galen McDougall