The colourful curling rings at the Vermilion Curling Rink are a sign of the strong sponsorship of sport and social connection in our community.
“One of the great things about curling is you can do it all your life,” says Doug McCrae. Having curled for the last 54 years, McCrae has been involved with the Vermilion curling rink ever since it first opened in 1973.
His wife, Joanne McCrae, and former Nova Scotia juniors provincial champion Kate Gilbert led a Learn to Curl on October 29 on behalf of the Vermilion Curling Club. The event aims to introduce curious participants to an activity that could become a lifelong passion.
Kids as young as grade 4 can start curling in a juniors league. The Vermilion club hosts a 2-day junior bonspiel in February that draws 120 kids and their families from the surrounding area. The club has an after-school league that runs Tuesdays from 3:45 until 5 p.m., and a junior open league on Mondays at 6:45 p.m. The club also runs adult leagues, including a ladies’ league on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., men’s leagues on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., an afternoon league Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m., and a superleague on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Curling is more than just a physical activity; as Doug McCrae attests, “I learned half of what I know about farming through curling after the game.” The social aspect of the game is part of the draw.
Contact the Vermilion Curling Club at (780) 853-5638 if you would like to get involved in a league.