Curling is a sport that involves sliding stones on ice towards a target area, while using brooms to sweep the ice and influence the trajectory of the stones. It may sound simple, but it requires a lot of skill, strategy, and teamwork. Curling is also one of the oldest team sports in the world, dating back to 16th century Scotland. Today, curling is played in many countries, especially in colder regions, and it is an official sport in the Winter Olympics.
If you are curious about curling, or if you are already a fan of this cool sport, you might want to celebrate Curling is Cool Day on February 23. This is a day to appreciate the history, culture, and fun of curling, and to encourage more people to try it out. In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about Curling is Cool Day, including its origin, how to celebrate it, and some frequently asked questions about curling.
How did Curling is Cool Day start?
Curling is Cool Day was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, who run a website called Wellcat.com that invents and promotes humorous and quirky holidays. They wanted to celebrate curling as a cool and interesting sport that deserves more recognition and appreciation. They chose February 23 as the date for Curling is Cool Day, because it is close to the end of the winter season, when curling is usually played.
How can you celebrate Curling is Cool Day?
There are many ways to celebrate Curling is Cool Day, depending on your level of interest and experience in curling. Here are some suggestions:
- Watch a curling match with friends. You can watch previous or live curling matches on TV or online, and enjoy the excitement and suspense of the game. You can also learn more about the rules, strategies, and techniques of curling by watching the experts play.
- Take curling lessons. If you want to try curling yourself, you can look for a curling club or rink near you that offers lessons or equipment rentals. You can learn the basics of curling, such as how to deliver, sweep, and score the stones, and have fun with your friends or family on the ice.
- Play a curling-themed game. If you don’t have access to a curling rink, you can still enjoy the spirit of curling by playing a curling-themed game, such as a board game, a video game, or a tabletop game. You can also make your own curling game by using household items, such as bottle caps, straws, and paper plates, as stones, brooms, and targets.
- Learn more about the history and culture of curling. Curling has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. You can read books, articles, or websites that tell the stories of curling, such as how it originated in Scotland, how it spread to other countries, how it became an Olympic sport, and how it evolved over time. You can also learn more about the culture and traditions of curling, such as the etiquette, the terminology, the equipment, and the rituals.
What are some frequently asked questions about curling?
If you are new to curling, you might have some questions about this sport. Here are some of the most common ones:
- What are the basic rules of curling? Curling is played by two teams of four players each, who take turns sliding stones across a sheet of ice towards a circular target area called the house. The aim is to get the stones as close to the center of the house as possible, and to prevent the other team from doing so. Each team has eight stones, and each player delivers two stones per end (a round of play). The team with the stone closest to the center of the house at the end of an end scores one point for each stone that is closer than the other team’s best stone. The game usually consists of eight or ten ends, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
- What are the roles of the players in a curling team? Each player in a curling team has a specific role and responsibility. The lead is the first player to deliver the stones, and usually tries to set up guards (stones that protect the house) or draws (stones that reach the house). The second is the second player to deliver the stones, and usually tries to clear away the other team’s stones or position the team’s stones strategically. The third (or vice-skip) is the third player to deliver the stones, and usually tries to set up the final shot for the skip. The third also holds the broom (a device that indicates where the stone should be aimed) for the skip. The skip is the captain and the last player to deliver the stones, and usually tries to score or prevent the other team from scoring. The skip also decides the strategy and tactics for the team, and directs the other players where to aim and sweep.
- What is the purpose of sweeping in curling? Sweeping is a technique that involves using a broom to brush the ice in front of a moving stone. Sweeping can affect the speed and direction of the stone, by reducing the friction and melting the ice slightly. Sweeping can make the stone travel farther and straighter, or curl (bend) more or less, depending on the situation. Sweeping requires a lot of strength, stamina, and coordination, and is an essential part of curling.
- What are some of the terms used in curling? Curling has a lot of unique and colorful terms that describe the different aspects of the sport. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Button: The center of the house, marked by a small circle.
- Curl: The amount of bend or curve of a stone as it travels on the ice.
- Delivery: The action of sliding and releasing a stone towards the target.
- End: A round of play in which each team delivers eight stones.
- Guard: A stone that is placed in front of the house to protect another stone.
- Hammer: The last stone delivered in an end, which gives an advantage to the team that has it.
- Hog line: A line that marks the point where a stone must be released before it crosses it, otherwise it is removed from play.
- House: The circular target area that consists of four concentric rings, colored blue, white, red, and white, from outside to inside.
- Peel: A shot that removes a guard stone from play with a lot of force.
- Raise: A shot that bumps another stone forward towards the target.
- Takeout: A shot that removes an opponent’s stone from play by hitting it.
- Tee line: A line that crosses the center of the house, dividing it into two halves.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about curling. Curling is a cool sport that combines physical, mental, and social skills, and that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability. If you want to celebrate Curling is Cool Day, you can watch, play, or learn more about curling, and share your experience with others. Happy Curling is Cool Day!
By
Beauty Adams
