Curling in Smithers may be something for you; it has adapted into something for everyone.
Jack Davies envisioned a league for seniors. With the support of the Smithers Curling Club, he has given information handouts to senior centres in Telkwa and Smithers.
February 21, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., they are having a “Seniors Learn to Curl” instruction session. You just need to bring your outdoor shoes. The curling centre has the grips, brooms and push sticks.
It is the push stick, that has opened up curling for all ages and fitness levels. You don’t have to kneel into the hack to give the rock a push.
Teams are usually four people, one at each end and you play eight ends. With three players at each end, you play six ends. Here is the sweet part, you can have a couples team with a different configuration of the rocks and you play eight ends.
You can even have a family team such as grandpa and grandma with the littles.
There are four leagues between Telkwa and Smithers. The curling rink is next to the hockey rink with the entrance on 4th Avenue. If you are interested in forming a league for seniors please give Jack Davies a call at 250-640-5225 or check the club's website at smitherscurling.ca.
Noted from the curling club's 60th Anniversary Cookbook in 1987:
“The Smithers Curling Club was born on Tuesday, October 25, 1927 when the Smithers Athletic Club voted for a curling branch. Plans we made to construct a rink, 36 feet wide and 120 feet long containing two ice sheets. The estimated cost was $850.
"Local ladies were first introduced to the "Grand Old Game" in a social evening in 1938 and they loved it. In 1939 they were invited to participate in a mixed league.”
Curling is shaping itself for the community. With the innovation of the push stick, if you are between 8 and 80 come on out. It is a sport to enjoy.
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