Learn to curl at Lewiston Family Ice Rink

by Joshua Maloni

Most of us have only seen curling on television or at the Olympics. But next weekend, we'll be able to get out on the ice and throw a rock or two of our own.

The Town and Village of Lewiston are hosting a "Learn to Curl" clinic on Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Lewiston Family Ice Rink at Academy Park. Sessions will begin at 11 a.m. and run for about 60 minutes every hour on the hour through 9 p.m. Organizers state, "Experienced instructors will be on hand to introduce you to the basics of the game, including how to 'deliver a stone' and why we sweep the ice."

"I just thought it would be a ton of fun," said Patti Lank, a U.S. National Championships winner and Lewiston resident. She will be on hand to show participants how to navigate the "bubbled," "pebbled" ice surface. Rocks and brooms will be provided. Helmets are recommended.

"It really is fun," Lank said. "It's very social. You can be any shape or size; you don't have to be seriously athletic. It's kind of like golf, I guess, in that way. People of different ages can play together. Everyone's out there trying their best and doing what they can do to make a shot, and it's just really exciting when someone does."

The clinic is sponsored by the Niagara Falls (Ontario) Curling Club and CertaPro Painters.

There is a suggested $5 donation. Funds will go to the Town of Lewiston Recreation Department.

To register, call the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce at 716-754-9500, stop by the chamber office at Center and South Ninth streets, or visit www.lewportsports.com.