Black hopes event continues momentum in Cape Breton
SYDNEY – Nova Scotia curler Christina Black says the World Women’s Curling Championship has the potential of attracting new people to the sport.
Black, a Sydney River native who began her career at the Sydney Curling Club, said having an international tournament like the world championship could increase club membership on the island.
“It could have a huge impact,” said Black, who lives in Halifax and curls out of the Dartmouth Curling Club.
“When the Scotties was there it brought a lot of new members to the club in Sydney and it increased the impact and awareness of the sport when it happened. I think it will also do the same thing now because everyone in town is going to be talking about it.”
Sydney last hosted a major curling event in 2019 when
Curling Canada brought the Scotties Tournament of Hearts women’s national championship to Centre 200.
As part of the world championship, school children are also expected to take in the action next week during morning draws, which Black believes could be beneficial for the sport.
“They might be interested in trying it if they see it,” said Black. “You don’t know what could inspire someone, so just to have the opportunity for it to be exposed to so many kids, it could bring growth in the game in Cape Breton.”
IMPACT OF SCOTTIES
Last month, in a social media post, the Sydney Curling Club said 43 per cent of its members this year are women.
“Since the Scotties happened I know they had an influx of new members and a lot of younger demographic women too, people between 30 and 50 years old that you want in order to grow the future of the sport and keep the club alive,” said Black.
“They have ladies' leagues and they brought back the ladies' bonspiel. It’s awesome to see and it makes me so happy whenever I see any news about the club and how well it's doing.”
Black acknowledged curling’s inclusiveness.
“Curling is an inclusive sport and it’s meant for everyone,” said Black. “It’s a sport where for the most part women and men are treated so equally and on an equal stage.
“The Scotties is on television as many hours as the Brier and the same with the women’s worlds and the men’s worlds, it’s the same amount of coverage that you don’t necessarily get in other sports.”
Black, who’s skipped her own team for the last four seasons, has appeared in five Scotties Tournament of Hearts representing Nova Scotia.
During her time at the Scotties and at other tournaments, Black has had the opportunity to play Rachel Homan and her team, who will represent Canada at the World Women’s Curling Championship.
Team Black played Team Homan twice during the 2023-24 season but unfortunately didn’t have much luck against them.