Skip to content

The spirit of curling

If you asked me months ago what the game of curling was all about, I would have simply shrugged my shoulders.
55593fortmarch17009
Thanks to members of the Fort St. James Curling Club Thursday Morning Drop-in Group: (from left to right) Father Frank Salmon

Barbara Latkowski

Caledonia Courier

If you asked me months ago what the game of curling was all about, I would have simply shrugged my shoulders.

It wasn’t a very prevalent game in my hometown of Guelph, Ontario.

Here in Fort St. James, however, the game is well known and seems to be a regular part of Fort culture.

Highlights of the season include: a ladies, men’s, and a loggers bonspiel open to anyone and everyone who wishes to participate.

And so I did.

I thought to myself, why not? I’m here. I remember not hesitating trying rugby when living in New Zealand; all though it did cost me a broken leg.

But now, living in Fort St. James, what better way to experience Northern B.C. culture than with the spirit of curling.

And as I soon learned, it really is all about the “spirit” of the game.

While the main objective of the game is to determine the relative skills of the players, the spirit of curling demands good sportsmanship, teamwork, kindness, honourable conduct and respect.

The spirit of curling plays a vital role in not only professional curling, but also in local curling leagues as is the case with the Fort St. James Curling Club which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in February.

It’s this spirit that captured me instantly. I developed the love of the game because of a certain group of people who were very patient, kind, and showed me the utmost respect despite my initial clumsiness and lack of skill.

I soon realized that curling with this very special group of people every Thursday morning, was much more than just about winning or losing.

It really is about respect, kindness, laughter and loads of fun

I have come a long way and learned so much thanks to you.

So, thank you very much to the Fort St. James Curling Club Thursday Morning Drop In Group.

Thank you for teaching me the skills of curling but most of all, thank you for teaching me all about the true spirit of the game.

See you next season.