The Editor,
Re. “Coquitlam considers curtailing curling” (The Tri-City News, Feb. 5).
I have been the co-ordinator for the Coquitlam junior curling league for the past three years and this article frustrates and saddens me greatly. I see both the social and physical benefits to having kids curling. I feel that this is an essential arena to keep open not just two months a year but for the entire curling season (September to March).
Six years ago, my 11-year-old daughter went to a curling birthday party at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex. At that time, she was not involved in any community sports or any sports at school. Now, she is a competitive curler participating in several provincial events this season.
The Coquitlam junior league gives advanced junior curlers opportunities to coach and mentor young curlers, giving back to the sport and community that has given them so much. They become role models for new curlers, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm. None of these kids would have found their passion if there weren’t a curling rink at Poirier.
I believe that without curling, many kids wouldn’t participate in community sports at all. For those kids who aren’t overly athletic, curling provides an opportunity to play a team sport. I have watched kids develop confidence and make lasting friendships thanks to curling. In a time where we are encouraging daily physical activity, the junior league provides three hours of physical activity for kids each week.
The central location of the Coquitlam rink makes it easy for kids to join the junior league. Local elementary, middle and high schools bring students to Poirier to introduce them to curling. Centennial students can walk across the street as part of their PE program or after school to learn to curl and represent their school in competition. Riverside secondary in Port Coquitlam also uses Coquitlam ice weekly to practise.
Thanks to the dedicated members of the Coquitlam Curling Association, the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex has been host to many large curling events, including the recent BC Scotties championships and the Pacific Coast Masters championships, the BC Wheelchair championships and the BC Junior championships. I think it would be a real disservice to the community if the city decides to phase out curling at Poirier. I sincerely hope that never happens.
Hilary Drexel, Coquitlam Junior Curling League
