In the News 

First Annual Boyne Clarke Charity Stick Curling Bonspiel in support of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia) to be held on 1 November 2008.

On November 1st , 2008, the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia) is removing the barriers at the 1st Annual Boyne Clarke Charity Stick Curling Bonspiel at the Halifax Curling Club.  This exciting event will showcase the relatively new game of stick curling and raise funds for the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia).

Stick curling is based on the regular game of curling but is a recognized separate and distinctive game with its own rules, Provincial, National and World Championships and a growing number of players at the recreational and competitive levels.  You may have watched wheelchair athletes competing in this sport at the 2006 Paralympic Games in Torino and at the 2008 world championships held in Norway.  The First Annual Boyne Clarke Charity Stick Curling Bonspiel in support of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia) is an opportunity for anyone to try this sport, with an emphasis on anyone.

The difference in the rules between curling and stick curling allows the player to deliver the curling stone with a stick, slipped on the stone handle, from an upright position, so those players in a wheelchair and those standing compete on an equal basis.  There is no need to master the tricky slide delivery, and there is no sweeping before the rock reaches the far hog line, which can be physically demanding for many people.

There are only two players on each team, one at each end of the rink, so there is no waiting for players to move from one end to the other and the game moves along quickly.  All four players (two per team) are kept occupied throughout the game as they are either delivering rocks or skipping, and there are only 6 ends in a stick curling game.  Each player delivers 6 rocks (alternating with the opposing team) for the 3 ends when they are the thrower.  These ends are alternated with 3 ends when they act as skip for their teammate who delivers 6 rocks from the other end of the sheet.  Each player delivers 18 rocks in each game, which is usually played in less than an hour. 

The participants in this First Annual Boyne Clarke Charity Stick Curling Bonspiel in support of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia) will get an opportunity to try out this exciting sport, where the barriers are removed so that fully able bodied players and those with physical limitations compete on an equal basis.

It is hoped that curlers and would-be curlers of all ages, including persons who use wheelchairs, will come together on November 1st at the Halifax Curling Club and enjoy participating in this stick curling bonspiel, raising awareness for this sport and for the work that the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia) does in this Province.  The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration followed by a demonstration and practice prior to the commencement of play.   The cost is $30 per person, but there is a limit of 16 teams (32 players) to ensure that each team plays three games.  More information about the event and how to register is available at www.thespine.ca or by contacting Marilyn Taylor at (902) 423-1277 ext. 101.

The Halifax Curling Club is the oldest active curling club in Canada, having been a Halifax institution since 1824, and home to several Nova Scotia and Canadian Curling Champions and has graciously agreed to host this exciting event.  It is also the home of the first Canadian Brier Champions and the current holders of the McLellan Cup Championship.  They have made great efforts to make the ice and facilities accessible to wheelchair users, and plan to make the whole club wheelchair accessible in the near future.  The facilities are situated at 948 South Bland Street in Halifax, with plenty of parking.

In adition to those wanting to curl, there are many opportunities for organizations to support this event, and local businesses should contact Marilyn Taylor, (902) 42301277 ext. 101.  All proceeds from this event support the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia) towards assisting persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence, self-reliance and full community participation.