‘Girls Rock’: Windsor-Essex ladies get intro to curling

Nearly 40 girls from across Windsor-Essex learned the basics of curling at a free “Girls Rock” event at the Sun Parlour Curling Club in Leamington. March 1, 2026. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

Eager to learn the sport, dozens of young women piled onto the sheets at the Sun Parlour Curling Club Saturday afternoon.

Nearly 40 girls, ages nine to 16, took part in the Scotties ‘Girls Rock’ Curling Event, an introductory lesson on how to curl.

Melissa Paine, general manager of the Sun Parlour Curling Club, said they were one of 25 clubs across the country selected by Scotties and Curling Canada to host the event.

“We had people who came and were willing to wait and see if some people didn’t show up. So we think it’s probably something we’re going to start doing on a yearly basis,” Paine said.

On the ice, girls learned about safety, slide delivery, rock movement and sweeping.

Aside from the young learners, Paine said they wanted to assemble a team of entirely female volunteers.

“So to have a place where they can come and feel safe to try things and not be embarrassed and be with other girls, sort of female empowerment as well,” Paine said.

For Maddie Ritchie, Saturday was only her second time on the sheet, taking a go at curling.

Her first lesson, she noted, was knowing when it’s your turn to throw the rock. After getting some more time in the sport, she said she’s still considering playing the game in a league.

“I also like learning how to do different stuff and learning different techniques on how to get it better to where you want it to go,” Ritchie said.

Paine said, at the end of the day, the message to the young athletes is to “be brave” and try a new sport.

For those interested in taking up curling, she encouraged reaching out to local clubs to ask about availability.

“People will be there, and there are leagues that aim at your skill level throughout the week, too,” Paine said. “There’s something for everyone, for sure.”