Curling Programs for Youth Unroll in November

Nugget Column #06 – Tuesday October 27th, 2015

Although curling is a sport where it’s never too late to get started, it certainly doesn’t hurt to learn the necessary skills when one is young and the mind is soaking up information all around like a sponge.

Just two weeks ago you read about a pair of young athletes from North Bay who are now being groomed by the country’s top curling personnel in hopes that they will be amongst the next generation of elite curlers. Whether your goal is the Olympics, or whether it be embarking in a sport that will keep you active for life, starting young has its advantages.

At the North Bay Granite Club kids get started in curling as early as in Grade 1. We just held an orientation for our Little Rock program this past Sunday from 4pm – 5pm where five new curlers gave their first rock a throw; thanks to Joanne Come-Forget for providing instruction.

This program runs in 6-week instalments (Nov. 1st – Dec. 6th; Jan. 3rd – Feb. 7th; and Feb. 14th – Mar. 20th) and lends all the necessary equipment to get started. Participants use smaller, lighter stones and must only attain a distance half that of a regular sheet of ice. It’s not too late to enroll for this session or for either of the next two.

Next week (November 2nd and 4th) our popular Timbits Curling program returns on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:15pm – 5:15pm. This program is completely volunteer led and would not be possible without the dedication of many helping hands.

While there is not a set age, participants must be capable of delivering a full-sized stone the distance and of an entire sheet of ice. If you are not sure about which program will best suit your little one, please contact us to come out and try.

New this year is a Junior League on Thursdays from 4:00pm – 5:45pm for curlers in grades 7 – 12. Grade 7 and 8 students are encouraged to enroll in both Timbits and Junior League as they transition into high school curling competition.

As the league is not a school-sanctioned event, teams may comprise of any combination of male or female player from any school, although teams aspiring to NDA, NOSSA, and OFSAA success are encouraged to play with their high school team lineup for additional practice.

As per usual, ice is provided on Tuesday afternoons for area High Schools to form, select, and train their representing teams for the local NDA Championship. If you are a student interested in curling for your High School, be sure to approach your Physical Education Department for further details.

Student memberships are offered at a discounted rate but provide all the same privileges as an adult membership, including unlimited league play (not limited to youth programs). Take advantage and curl your hearts (and your knees) out. For more information, just ask!

Bobby Ray General Manager North Bay Granite Club