Curling is an Amazingly Social Sport

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 the skip is delivering seventh and eight stones

Curling began in 16 th 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.

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.

All curlers must wear two different types of shoes when playing a “slider” and a “gripper”

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 have the opportunity to watch him (Allen) curl and realize they enjoy the sport, then they’ll come back here to learn more about curling.” Klingbile is excited and says she is very proud of the facility they have in Fargo. “We are getting a brand-new sport into a lot of these kids that don’t have the opportunity to have a winter sport. It’s a life-long sport that we are introducing to six-year old’s that have the chance to curl until they’re 80.”

The FM Curling Club is a member of Cass County Electric Cooperative, and we are proud to power a facility that is uplifting the community around them.

One of the common questions curlers get asked is, “Why do you like curling so much?” Odds are their answer will be similar to Youth Curler, Porter Rokke who says, “I like that it’s more of a friendly sport, and you can hang out with friends even if you’re on opposite sides.” Curling is not a rough sport like football where you get slammed into the turf; it’s a positive environment. “You say good game or nice shot. I like compliments after I do stuff,” says Rokke. The curling club is a great way to get out and meet people in the community. “It’s so easy to make friends in curling,” says Klingbile. If someone wants to join call the club and staff will get you into the right league or class. Don’t forget to bring a smile and some warm clothes. “Our door is always open,” says Klingbile with a smile.

Each curling stone has a circumference of 36 inches, height of 4.5 inches and weighs around 40 pounds.

Men’s curling debuted in 1924 during the Winter Olympics program in Chamonix, France 74 years before it became an official sport in 1998.

Sweepers use the curling broom to clear the path for the stone and reduce friction.

If participating in a curling game doesn’t appeal to you there are other ways to get involved with the club. You could bartend upstairs during bonspiels or other events, hand out shoes, or be a coordinator out on the ice. Visit their website fmcurling.org or give them a call at 701-232-3041 to get involved.