ESTEVAN — The Power Dodge Curling Centre saw activity on Nov. 23 as young curlers from Grades 5-9 took to the ice for a day-long clinic aimed at sharpening their skills.
Organized by CurlSask and dubbed "Clinic in a Box," the event brought together participants already involved in the Estevan Curling Club's programs for a unique learning opportunity.
"This gives us an opportunity for a whole day to develop multiple skills, play different fun games, and stuff that we just don't have enough time for in one-hour lessons," said Pauline Ziehl Grimsrud, the Estevan Curling Club manager and the clinic's head instructor. "Overall, it's a development of the whole game."
The format mixed children of varying skill levels, encouraging collaboration and fostering a deeper understanding of the sport. The morning was dedicated to skill-building exercises, while the afternoon saw participants applying those lessons in game scenarios.
"We're focusing completely on skills today," said Ziehl Grimsrud. "This afternoon, we're playing a game of curling and using the skills we worked on this morning."
Participants were playing "triples" games, where players rotated positions to gain exposure to all aspects of curling.
"We want everybody to have the opportunity to skip, get lots of sweeping in, and be an all-around player," Ziehl Grimsrud explained.
The event marked the first time the Estevan Curling Club hosted a Clinic in a Box, but Ziehl Grimsrud expressed optimism about its potential.
"Next year, we'd like to grow this," she said, noting that the club's regular programs are still open for registration.
"It's not too late to join curling this season, and we're really open to having more kids come out."
The clinic also was a new experience for Ziehl Grimsrud herself, who was stepping into the role of head instructor for the first time.
"It's been a learning experience for me, too," she said. "But the kids have been great, and we've had a really good day."
Helping Ziehl Grimsrud with the clinic was local instructor Debbie Loewen.
