| Curling, even though being recognized as an | | | | incorporation of sweeping. When a player |
| Olympic medal sport, is still unfamiliar to | | | | sweeps the ice, they are essentially brushing |
| many. Just what is this sport and how is | | | | it at a rapid pace in order to keep the rock |
| played? Simply put, curling is a sport that | | | | moving. The process of sweeping helps to |
| is played on ice where players slide granite | | | | polish the ice and helps to promote a more |
| rocks down the playing field. As the rocks | | | | distant, straight moving rock. |
| travel, they have will often curve, or curl, | | | | |
| during play. This is why the sport is known | | | | Curling is a popular sport that is actively |
| as Curling. | | | | played in over 20 countries, including North |
| | | | America, Asia, Europe, Australia and New |
| This unique sport first came into existence | | | | Zealand. A large majority of curling players |
| on the frozen ponds and lakes of Northern | | | | reside in the United States, Scotland and |
| Europe. During a Curling competition, two | | | | Canada. Mostly played indoors, curling is a |
| teams of four players will slide hefty | | | | popular sport for fans who prefer to be |
| granite rocks across a 130' x 15' sheet of | | | | protected from mother nature while enjoying a |
| ice. The rocks travel down the ice toward | | | | sports event. |
| the center, which is similar to an archery | | | | |
| format. The designated areas are painted | | | | Even though many are still unfamiliar with |
| just below the surface of the ice at both | | | | curling as a sport, its awareness has |
| ends, which allows the rocks to be played | | | | increased since the 2002 Olympic games, which |
| back and forth during a series of | | | | were held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cable |
| competitions. | | | | television covered the events worldwide and |
| | | | many sports enthusiasts were drawn to the |
| Each Curling game will consist of sixteen | | | | unique aspect of curling. In fact, curling |
| rocks being thrown and, following the | | | | was also a popular sport in the recent 2006 |
| conclusion, a score is tallied. Each team | | | | Olympic Winter Games, which were held in |
| will score one point for each rock that is | | | | Turin, Italy. For more information on |
| determined to be closest to the center. Very | | | | curling as a sport, player biographies and |
| similar to the strategy of baseball, only one | | | | how to get involved, athletes and fans may |
| team can score during any given play. One of | | | | visit usacurling.org. |
| the most unique features of curling is the | | | | |