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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
'A huge difference': These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks
A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
NEW For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
Spanish prosecutors recommend 2nd investigation into Shakira's taxes be thrown out
Spanish state prosecutors recommended Wednesday that an investigating judge shelve a probe into another alleged case of tax fraud by pop star Shakira.