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