Curling is an Amazingly Social Sport
A curling team consists of Skip: Team captain and in charge of strategy
Lead: Delivers the first two stones and sweeps the next six Second: Throws the third and fourth stones Third (vice skip): Throws fifth and sixth stones and determines strategy when skip is delivering seventh and eight stones
Curling began in 16th Century Scotland on frozen lochs and ponds.
When the term “curling” is thrown into a conversation, you might be reminded of the Winter Olympics or a bunch of adults sliding large granite rocks down a pebbled ice slab. Curling is that and more. It’s an excellent way for your family to make some memories that will last a lifetime. During the frigid winter months in Fargo, ND, the FM Curling Club is open for use. It’s a hot destination for families across the region. Whether you are a regular or new to the sport, there is a place for everyone at the FM Curling Club. Winter is more than the whirling wind outside, so let’s look at what the FM Curling Club can offer you and your family. Curling can be an intimidating sport, but the FM Curling Club offers a variety of different programs to people of all ages. For kids, they have the Kids Curl Program, and for adults, there are a variety of bonspiels. In the Kids Curl Program, they are introduced to the basics of curling. Kids this age usually don’t have enough strength to slide the rock all the way to the other side, so they get to play on a short track while meeting new friends and having fun.
Curling is also known as “the roaring game” which refers to the sound the rock makes traveling over the ice.
4 Highline Notes February 2019
www.kwh.com
Volunteer Youth Curling Director, Theresa Klingbile, moved to Fargo two and a half years ago and jumped right into helping with the youth league. Since that time the number of kids participating in the programs has dramatically increased. “The Olympics had a big boost and kids see it. Now with curling becoming more popular in Fargo non-curling families are realizing we have the facility here, and they want their kids involved in a new sport,” says Klingbile. The Youth Curling Program has maxed out its capacity at 106 kids. Way up from the 80 kids from last season. Klingbile says she is seeing parents signing up their 6-year-old kids then see it’s a sport for the entire family. “It’s exciting seeing a whole family out there curling,” says Klingbile. Families in our area aren’t the only ones joining curling and trying to master the craft. Former NFL Vikings player, Jared Allen, and three other NFL stars are throwing their competitiveness into a lofty goal – the goal to qualify for the 2022 Winter Olympics as curlers. Klingbile says this could have an impact on the sport, especially Vikings fans. “If they
All curlers must wear two different types of shoes when playing a “slider” and a “gripper”
