There is a slight change for Nipigon’s junior curling program this year, but it is for a good reason.
Instead of having everyone on the ice at the same time, the younger curlers (ages 6 to 9) will be on the ice for the first half-hour each week, with the older players (ages 10 to 13) throwing rocks for the second half-hour.
“When you have both age groups on the ice at the same time, it can get a little bit busy,” said Kristin Dutil, who is the culture and recreation manager for the township of Nipigon.
“We wanted to make sure that everyone was getting an equal chance to get on the ice, learn the sport and get help from our volunteers.”
The program runs from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. each Monday at the Nipigon Curling Club. This year’s junior season gets underway on Nov. 27 and concludes on March 15.
Dutil has been involved with the junior curling program for the last couple of years and says the feedback has been positive.
“As the winter goes on, we find that as the kids get out there and they explain to their friends about curling and how they are liking it, that entices more kids to come out as well and try the sport out,” Dutil said.
“We are very lucky to have the curling club close to the arena here so that kids can see the sport and have that opportunity to try it.”
With more players coming out to the four-sheet facility, one of the big needs to help keep the junior program going is to have volunteers.
There is a mix of returning and new faces helping out this year, but Dutil says that they are always looking for more people to come out.
“If they’ve played the game, that’s wonderful, but we’d never turn anyone away if they don’t have that experience,” Dutil added.
For more information on the program, contact Dutil via email.