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