Unique Rock Concert Hosted at North Bay Granite Club

es from across the country, including Saskatchewan. The event, known as U-15 RockFest, was initiated two years ago by Curling Canada to provide young athletes under 15 with the opportunity to improve their skills and engage in friendly competition.

The main objective of the U-15 RockFest program is to equip young curlers with the necessary skills to excel in all aspects of the sport, both in terms of strategy and technical development. Whether they aspire to pursue a competitive career or simply enjoy the sport recreationally, the event aims to help them reach their maximum potential and become well-rounded players.

Dustin Mikush, the Manager of Youth Development & programming for Curling Canada, emphasized the combination of training and competition in the RockFest program. Over the course of the event, participants engaged in clinics focused on strategy, rock delivery, and sweeping skills. They then put their skills to the test in various singles and triples curling formats, with the best players proceeding to the finals based on their execution of different shots.

Laura Forget, the Executive Director of the Northern Ontario Curling Association (NOCA), highlighted the importance of proper rock delivery in the development of young curlers. She emphasized the necessity of consistency in set up, release, and rotation to ensure that participants can compete at the highest levels of the sport.

One participant, Grace Schmidt from Sudbury, praised the positive and supportive environment created by the coaches at the Granite Club. She noted that the instructors were attentive to each player’s individual needs and worked collaboratively to help them improve their skills.

Looking ahead, the Granite Club plans to continue fostering the growth of young curlers by hosting the Amethyst Curling Camp in July, providing another opportunity for aspiring athletes to enhance their skills and develop their passion for the sport.

Overall, the U-15 RockFest at the North Bay Granite Club was a resounding success, bringing together young curlers from various regions to learn, compete, and grow as athletes. With a focus on skill development, strategy, and sportsmanship, the event exemplified the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that defines the sport of curling.