Virden Junior Curling Club has 40 kids signed up for the weekly Monday hour of curling. Roxanne Freeman, Tara Cameron, Cory Barkley, and Chris Warkentin take time each week to help young people learn the skills of curling and have fun.
With the Viterra Provincial Championship curling taking place in Virden, it’s a prime opportunity to involve these young curlers in what will be an impressive experience, at TO&GP on Feb. 6.
“The junior curlers and high school curlers will be flag bearers for the 32 teams at the Viterra’s opening ceremonies on Wednesday evening,” says Roxanne Freeman.
Not only that, but the young curlers will also have an opportunity to throw some rocks.
“Some of the Juniors will be participating in the Hit, Tap, Draw contest sponsored by Curl Manitoba on the Final day… during the last two draws,” says Freeman. “This provides the Juniors a chance to play on the arena ice and create some excitement for them.”
Over the last 10 years there have been 40-45 juniors curling every year. The club includes kids in Gr. 4 to Gr. 8; beyond that there’s a high school curling program.
“We generally start with some instruction every Monday and then try to play a couple of ends and a Draw to the Button at the end, which the kids love as the winner gets a treat from the canteen.”
At their Christmas Party the juniors curl a four-end game and enjoy a windup at the end of the year which involves two four-end games. “The kids love to get into game action,” says Freeman.
“We are fortunate to have a strong junior program and hope to retain the curlers in the future to be a part of our club for many years to come.” The Virden Junior Curling program takes place Mondays from 4-5 p.m.
