To address the dwindling interest in junior curling in the Canora area, a curling clinic was organized for January 10 and the organizer was pleasantly surprised when 28 youth signed up from Canora, Preeceville, Sturgis, Norquay, Kamsack and Yorkton.
“Junior curling has dwindled over the years and I was hoping that clinics would help get the kids involved and interested in curling again,” said Sharon Ripa who organized the event in conjunction with CurlSask.
“Youth clinics are a fantastic way for the developing curler to build up the skill set, learn new skills and to meet new curling friends. The clinics are a combination of on-ice skills improvement and off-ice learning sessions.”
CurlSask partners with Viterra to present the Viterra youth clinics, Ripa said. CurlSask provides highly qualified and certified instructors. For the Canora clinic, CurlSask provided Susan Lang as the instructor. The on-ice assistants were: Sharon Ripa, Reg Zackrisson, Karen Cottenie and Trudy Halvorson.
The students were taught the mechanics of the game such as proper sliding techniques, sweeping and delivery, she said. The youngsters were also taught to consider the nuances of the game and how to strategize and work as a team. Strong communication skills are essential. Above all, the youngsters were taught etiquette and the value of sportsmanship.
Crossroads Credit Union helped sponsor the event by donating funds to assist with the lunch and snacks that were provided, Ripa said.
