Curling has a long and rich history. Respect, honour and tradition are core values of the game. While its origins are misty, Scottish curlers were playing the game by the beginning of the 16th century on frozen ponds and lochs. Their earliest equipment included stones formed by nature, each one unique. These stones often curved, or "curled", as they slid down the ice, and the players used besoms or brooms to clear snow and debris from the path of the stones.
Today, curling is a game of strategy, finesse and strength. The principle of curling is simple - get your stone closer to the centre of the target circles, called the "house", than your opponent. Players of all abilities and ages can participate and compete. Curlers are close knit and you can rely on a warm welcome in curling clubs throughout the world. Camaraderie among players is inherent in the sport and tradition calls for both teams to sit together after a game, discussing what was and what might have been.
