Although Sundre Junior Curling Club members recently started their season, the organization welcomes late additions throughout the season.
“If anybody’s still interested in registering, we welcome new members at all times,” said Bev Konschuh, a passionate curler who has for 17 years been involved in helping with the junior club.
Following the Christmas season, there are sometimes new members who join after discovering an interest in curling through being introduced to the sport by the school’s physical education program, she said.
“We will accept newcomers throughout the year.”
The season, which got started earlier this month, has so far been fairly busy with a group of nearly 30 practising Wednesday afternoons at the curling rink, she said. There are a dozen younger curlers as well as an older group of 17.
Konschuh decided to get involved in lending a hand with the club when her children, Parker and Becca, originally developed an interest in curling. The local organization, as well as the sport, has been a big passion for the family. While her kids had a natural inclination, the club further fostered their success in the sport, she said.
Giving back to the organization and ensuring the next generations of potential curlers also have an opportunity to discover the sport to see whether they might want to pursue that path and further develop their skills is important to her.
“It’s something that I really enjoy,” she said, adding, “I always wanted to grow the sport.”
Seeing young aspiring players such as Kaleb Richardson, who she described as super keen, find teams to curl with competitively on the provincial, national and international stage is a thrill, she said.
There are numerous local former junior curlers — including Danielle Schmiemann, Dylan Webster, Craig Bourgonje as well as Parker and Becca — who over the years have continued to curl at competitive levels, she said.
“That’s exciting, as a club, to see people advance themselves and continue to pursue it,” she said, expressing pride for their accomplishments.
Making the club possible is a “tiny group of energetic ladies,” she said, referring to the organization’s executive.
President Jill Fee said there are, including herself, usually five board members who attend meetings: Tabitha May, secretary; Rachel Underwood, treasurer; as well as directors at large Andrea Dickson and Leanne Nicolai.
They recently decided to set the dates for the junior curling club’s annual bonspiel on Jan. 12-13, she said.
Like Konschuh, Fee also wants to see the group grow, and encourages anyone with children who might be interested in giving the sport a shot to drop by for a free practice.
“If kids want to come and try it out one time, they can do that,” she said.
Anyone who wants to learn more about the club or possibly register a child can contact Fee by phone at 403-638-1756, or alternatively by email at [email protected].
