Curling rocks Navan Club

"Our membership is around the 500 mark, which keeps us very busy with four available sheets,’’ said Doug McNally, president of the Navan Curling Club. "It's not full up yet, especially during the day time. There are usually opportunities to play. "For example some people drop-out after Christmas because they head south for the rest of the winter. It’s best to call ahead to check availability."

Curling is a sport that’s been a giant part of Canadian culture for almost 200 years. In fact the first curling club was founded in Montreal in 1807, which is 60 years before Confederation. Today the sport is a television hit and it is not unusual for events such as the Brier and Tournament Hearts to attract more than 10,000 people for championship games at the venue and half-million plus TV audience numbers. Since 1998, it's also an official Olympic sport.

The sport’s hot bed is in Western Canada and the Maritimes while clubs are full to capacity in rural Ontario and Quebec.

Over at the Navan Club, one of the fastest growing activities this season is the seniors program held on the weekdays. "It’s very popular,’’ said McNally. "We have about 150 senior members and they are very active throughout the year. They get lots of curling, there are voluntary day time lunches and other activities, such as over-70 bonspiels. We even have an 80-plus senior curling program which has special equipment adjustments to make it more convenient. "A number of the new senior players are beginners while others are getting back into it."

The men’s league program on Tuesday and Thursday nights is the most popular program while the Monday night’s women’s league could use a few more players. There are also open and mixed leagues. "There are many reasons curling is a popular sport," said McNally. "By today’s standards it’s quite economical. For about $300 you can curl all year a couple of times a week."

It’s also a sport for the whole family. "We have a strong little rocks and junior programs on Sunday," said McNally. "They start at seven years old. We have about 50-60 youngsters from little rocks (age 7-12) through bantam (13-16) and junior levels (17-21)."

The club also launched a new website this year which provides all the information and numbers interested parties need to join or rent sheets of ice. Visit online at http://navan.ovca.com/ -- Louis Daignault