Taking Pride in curling

West Broadway

Winnipeg

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This article was published 08/11/2023 (667 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Even though it is already Winnipeg’s largest 2SLGBTQ sporting group, the Keystone Rainbow Curling League always has room for more.

Founded in 2005, the league, which plays at the Granite Curling Club on Sunday afternoons, has 31 teams and roughly 150 members. It was started by people who had participated in pride curling leagues in other parts of Canada and brought the idea with them when they moved to Winnipeg.

“It was formed to create an inclusive and fun social event at the Granite Curling Club,” said club president Mark Lawson. “Last year, we had 24 teams, and we’re up to 31. We’re growing and trying to do what we can to create an inclusive space, recruit new members and get new people into curling.”

Keystone Rainbow Curling League is active on social media. It has attracted members mainly through word of mouth, and Lawson said there’s room for more participants. The league is split into four divisions based on skills and experience, so curlers should be evenly matched. Those wanting to try it out can register as spares.

“This year, we have many new teams who have never curled before,” Lawson said. “We always try to host a few learn-to-curl events. We had a couple in the spring and did a few in September. We had 45 people sign up and some of those people have signed up for our leagues. It’s great to see new people entering the sport.”

The fun extends beyond the ice. Keystone Rainbow Curling League hosts an annual bonspiel in February and holds regular evening social events. Every March, the league sends a team National Pride Curling championships, to be held in St. John’s, N.L. in 2024.

“It’s about building community,” Lawson said. “We curl every Sunday, with draw times at 1:30 and 4, but we also have many social events throughout the year. We have holiday dinners. After each game, people stay around for food and drink.”

The league is an affiliate of Out There Winnipeg, which offers sports and recreation events such as hiking, bowling, volleyball and gaming. Lawson said the organization provides valuable ways for people to connect, find safe places and build community.

Lawson has been a Keystone Rainbow member since he moved to Winnipeg in 2011. He said it was an excellent way to meet people and build friendships.

“We welcome people of all ages and abilities,” Lawson said. “We have members from 18 to 75, and juniors are welcome too. “As a 2SLGBTQ sport, we’re an open league. Teams can be made up of any combination of players.”

Lawson invited those wanting to learn more to visit keystonecurling.com, email keystonecurling@outlook.com and follow them on Instagram (@keystonecurling) and Facebook (facebook.com/keystonerainbow).