Women in Curling Summit 'hits the button' in Regina
For the first time ever, Saskatchewan hosted the Women in Curling Summit. The one day event was held in Regina on Saturday and acted as an introduction to one of Canada’s premier winter activities.
Co-chaired by Olympic curler, Joan McCusker, the all day event was aimed at encouraging women to engage and maintain interest in curling. A newer concept for females in the sport.
“It’s new in our lifetime of course,” she explained. “With my team winning, almost 25 years ago, the first ever Olympic gold, it wasn’t on the radar for our generation, it is now.”
McCusker said the event was spearheaded by a void. They received a grant for gender equity since the number of women in sport are considerably less than men. This fact is especially true in curling.
According to McCusker, it’s important to promote a sport that is so inclusive and welcoming, especially for females.
“I think curling in general is about connection. When it was in it’s grassroots in rural Saskatchewan it was about coming together. But post-pandemic, when indoor sports were shut down, these kids had to stay home, in their rooms, and forgot how to connect,” she said.
Those within the sport agree that the comradery is paramount.
“Curling you either need four or two so you gotta work together, and figure out when to practice and spend time together,” said Raechel Schlechter, who has been curling for nine years.
“I think it’s just a way for females to connect and actually be able to participate together and create bonds that will last a life time,” added Elizabeth Kessel, another avid curler.
For both Schlechter and Kessel, being involved in curling means more than just the sport. Past the competitive nature of the game, it enhances their lives.
“Mental health is such a big thing these days that you do need that support from your teammates, so I think it’s just a really good opportunity to build those connections for your mental health,” Kessel explained.
The mental health benefits are expanded by the lasting friendships made on the sheet.
“A lot of girls once they get into their teenage years they stop thinking about sports- but it’s really important to be involved and keep yourself healthy and it’s a really great way to make friends and get close with people,” Schlechter said.
The event saw women of all levels of curling gather for strategy, comprehensive video replay to work on technique, actual play and inspirational speeches.
In total, 40 females between the ages of 13 and 67 registered for the event.
Because of the desire for an event like this, McCusker hopes there will be more in the future.
“This is coming together at whatever level you are,” she said.
“You don’t need to be a national level player or athlete to enjoy curling.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.