Coaldale Senior Curling League begins a new season

Sunny South News Photo by Kristine Jean. NEW SEASON: The Coaldale Senior Curling League began on Oct. 14, and welcomes anyone 50 and older to come out for drop-in curling on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. at the Coaldale Granite Curling Club.

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

The Coaldale Senior Curling League is welcoming anyone age 50 and older to come out this season and enjoy some curling and social time together.  

“For the most part they’re mixed (teams) but everybody’s name goes in a hat and we draw the teams out that day and that’s who you play with,” said Wayne Koenders, co-coordinator of the Coaldale Senior Curling League, along with Joe Michielsen. “It’s a really good way to meet a lot of people.”

The league began its season on Oct. 14, and runs a drop-in format on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. at the Coaldale Granite Curling Club. 

“It’s been good (so far). It’s nice to see some old faces back and a few new ones,” said Koenders, who has been active in the league for several years and said the league provides more than just curling. 

“It’s more of a social outing for I think, most of us,” he said, noting on the first Wednesday of each month the league celebrates birthdays with some birthday cake. 

Koenders said league numbers so far this year have been down, the nice weather may be enticing people outdoors before winter arrives. 

“I think a lot of people are busy with the yard work or golfing and whatever else, so numbers haven’t been quite as good as other years, but today was a good day again. We had four sheets going,” he said, noting close to 30 curlers were out that day. 

The league runs from October to the third week of March, where curlers enjoy an afternoon of curling in teams of three or four, depending on the number of drop-in participants, noted Koenders.   

Curling is also a good way for people to stay active while enjoying the sport. 

“Staying active is very important, especially when you get older and it’s too easy to sit in front of the TV and do nothing,” said Koenders. 

All curlers who participate must provide their own equipment, including a brush and shoes and pay a small fee to curl each day. They also have the option to pay for the entire season up front, noted Koenders, adding they draw curlers from Lethbridge, Coaldale, Taber, Raymond, Magrath and Welling. 

“It takes in a large area and with Taber’s rink being down right now, we’ve got a few of them coming here,” he said. “It’s not just Coaldale – we get pretty good support from the surrounding communities.”

Every year in January the Coaldale Senior League holds an annual four-day bonspiel, which is a bit more competitive for those who participate, he noted.  The event also sees a lot of support from local businesses, who provide door prizes. 

“It’s a good event,” said Koenders, noting what he likes best about the league. “I like getting out and getting some exercise, meeting new people and just having some fun. It’s a good way to spend an afternoon.” 

For more information contact Wayne at (403)-359-0352 or Joe at (403)-317-3987.