Hurry hard to your local curling rink because Jan. 21 was proclaimed Curling Day in Saskatchewan.
The proclamation was brought about by CurlSask for the purpose of promoting awareness of the sport and getting people out and participating.
“CurlSask is pleased that the government has declared a provincial day of curling as it will provide us with a chance to recognize and grow our provincial sport,” CurlSask President Marg Mayotte said. “This day gives CurlSask an opportunity to promote awareness and increase participation in Saskatchewan’s curling clubs.”
The sport of curling came out of medieval Scotland as far back as the 1500s, but has sort of been adopted by and mostly associated with Canada. It became dominant here in the Prairies, becoming Saskatchewan’s official sport in 2001. The provincial government estimates that there are 20,000 curlers in 50 clubs across the province.
So when CurlSask submitted its proclamation, the provincial government was happy to help out.
“Whenenver we get an opportunity to help … we take that opportunity,” said Darin Banadyga, executive director of sport and recreation for the government of Saskatchewan. “It’s an opportunity for us to help CurlSask promote awareness.”
For the occasion, different clubs across the province planned different events: Prince Albert’s club had school curling events and the CN Curling Club in Saskatoon had an event. Assiniboia held a sort of flagship event, hosting the opening event of this year’s provincial Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
Banadyga thinks it’s worth it to support curling because it’s an inclusive sport where participants can be as competitive – or not – as they want to be.
“It is a sport where you can grasp that opportunity to be a very competitive person or be recreational at it and build it in as part of your wellness plan,” he said.
He added that he’s seen participants from 20 years old to 80.
And it’s easier to participate in curling with the government’s Community Rink Affordability Grant Program, which provides grants for indoor ice facilities. Each grant is $2,500 and the provincial government has invested almost $5 million in the program.
 “Some people participate in curling in different days in their life. This day is to profile a great sport that is accessible and people of all different ages participate in it … we wanted CurlSask to participate with that,” he said. “It’s a great lifelong sport … any opportunity to participate in an activity and wellness, that is an opportunity we will take.”
