More Information about Learn2Curl
Curling caught the eye of many Americans during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and that interest continues to grow as snow and ice season approaches once again.
Looks of the game are deceiving, as experience, teamwork, and skill all combine to create a winning team. "Curlers know this is a game of strategy and finesse. Many people want to compare it to shuffleboard, but it more closely resembles three sports," says Joni Cotten of Mount Prospect, Illinois, a member of the 2003 U.S. World Championship team and an alternate who competed at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. "It's like golf in that both greens and the ice create varying speeds, billiards because of the angles used when round objects hit other round objects, and chess because you're always trying to stay one step ahead of your opponent and keep them from scoring."
In the Chicago area curling started in the 19th century when it was reported that a curling club was playing its games on outdoor ice in Chicago's Jackson Park. While it was suitable to curl outdoors in good weather and with smooth ice, it was not so desirable in subzero weather, especially with strong winds or falling snow, or even worse, warm winter weather.
The Chicago Curling Club was founded in 1948 in Northbrook,IL and the first Invitational Men's Bonspiel for 32 teams was held Feb. 3 - 5, 1950. Heathers, a woman's curling organization was also established about the same time. By 1969 the current building was constructed, including exhibit space for the American Curling History Museum. Today there are leagues for young and old, men, women, mixed teams, senior men, demonstrations for students from high schools and a recently organized wheelchair demonstration. People of all ages enjoy this sport because it combines the engagement and exercise of a sport with social time and friendship.
Curling is clearly a sport everyone can enjoy, come join us!
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