Curling—Wonder Wedneday

Photo credit: Copper Country Curling Club • Gary Lasilla

It's WONDER Wednesday!

This week's WONDER is the sport of curling. Today is National Curling is Cool Day, so we're taking a closer look at this once obscure, now Olympic sport. And it turns out, Michigan boasts at least ten curling clubs. Chances are, there's one near you!

CURLING CRASH COURSE
Curling sheet - ice rink where the game is played. Stone - granite form that slides across the curling sheet. Sweeper - brooms or brushes used to decrease friction on the curling sheet, making the stone travel further and straighter. House - circular target.

THE SPIRIT OF CURLING
the sport involves a high degree of sportsmanship. It's expected that teams shake hands and wish each other "good curling." Teams congratulate each other on wins and gaffes by opponents are never cheered. Conceding the game is an honorable act with no stigma. Often, the winning team buys the losing team drinks.

CURLING PAST & PRESENT
The game originated in 16th century Scotland. It's related to bowls, boules and shuffleboard. Curling became a medal sport at the 1998 Olympics. The 2022 Beijing games favored Sweden, the UK, Canada and Japan.

WHERE CAN I CURL?
Michigan clubs include (edited to add) Petoskey, Frankfort, Traverse City, Lewiston, Kalamazoo, Detroit, Greater Midland, Lansing, Copper Country (Calumet), and Marquette. Get curling!