Rocks & Rings hope to inspire a new generation of curlers

An initiative introduces students to curling through school programs, using Olympic inspiration and free ice time to grow the sport's youth participation.

As Olympic curling commences, the grassroots initiative Rocks & Rings is undertaking a critical mission to introduce the sport to potential future Olympians. The program addresses a pressing concern within the curling community regarding the sport’s aging demographic and seeks to ignite interest among the young.

School outreach

Instructor Valerie Ouimet articulated the program’s fundamental goal.

“It’s really just to introduce the sport to the next generation,” she said.

“Our sport is dying off a bit, and we really want it to get back going, as it’s such an amazing sport.”

This sentiment is supported by stark participation statistics cited by local organizers.

Joe Natale, the chair of the curling initiative in Sudbury, provided concrete data highlighting a significant opportunity for growth.

“There are 20-25,000 kids in Sudbury between the ages of five and 18, and out of that whole group, there’s less than 200 that curl… less than one per cent,” he said.

“So, there’s a huge opportunity.”

The program is acting on this opportunity, with about 12 schools in Sudbury using indoor rocks to teach approximately 2,000 students.

Fostering early interest

Organizers stress that early exposure is key to building a lasting connection to the sport.

“The key is to start curling when you’re young. That’s why we’re, we’re, we’re intent on working with juniors,” Natale said.

The program has successfully generated excitement among its young participants, who express enthusiasm for the game’s unique mechanics.

Student Nila Mohammadi shared her positive first impression with CTV News.

“I thought this was really fun and I like the sport,” she said.

“It was really interesting and I hope to do it again soon.”

Her classmate, Henry Ogamba, said he particularly enjoyed the strategic element.

“The advantage is that it slides and you can get to knock other people,” he said.

“I love knocking down people from the things.”

Ogamba rated the experience a three on a scale of one to five.

The program also leverages the inspirational journey of a local athlete who has reached the sport’s pinnacle.

Rocks and Rings has worked with Tracy Fleury, who recently left Sudbury to curl for Canada at the Winter Olympics in Italy.

“I think most people don’t know that curling is an Olympic sport,” said Ouimet.

“It’s not that popular. So, when they do hear that, even someone from Sudbury is going. It really hits close to home and it’s awesome to see for sure.”

Transitioning from gym floors to ice

To bridge the gap from introductory lessons to actual on-ice experience, local curling clubs are supporting the initiative.

The Idylwylde Country Club, the Copper Cliff Curling Club and Onaping Falls Curling Club will be opening their ice on Feb. 15, free of charge, allowing children aged six to 12 to try curling on real ice, providing a crucial next step for interested youth.