For more than 20 years, Wallaceburg and area youngsters have been learning to curl through the club’s Little Rocks program, and now, the effort has come full circle.
This year, three former little rockers are among the seven instructors in the free program that has taught nearly 400 youngsters to curl.
“It’s been great seeing kids that once took part now helping teach the little ones,” said Sydenham Curling Club president Deb Richardson.
Among those helping out this year are Leanne Burgess, Randy Meyskens and Emily Anthony.
Although Emily is only 14, she’s a “big kid” to the two-dozen children aged five to 12 who come out each week.
“I remember how much it meant for me to have coaches who made things easier and I like to do the same for the little kids,” she said, a sentiment echoed by 12-year-old Leanne, a fellow coach.
“I learn a lot by coaching the kids and it’s nice to see them do well,” she said.
Randy Meyskens has an even more personal reason to come out; a son, Carter, who’s learning to curl.
Randy went through the program many years ago, took what he learned and turned it into a successful career in the Chatham-Kent Major League.
Carter is the fourth generation of the Meyskens family to curl at the Wallaceburg club as his grandparents, his father and uncle preceded him.
“It’s a great sport regardless of age,” he said. “Carter is six and he is learning to curl and my grandmother, Mary, is still curling and she’s over 80.”
Richardson, who along with her husband Newt and past president Randy McNeil, has operated the program for several years, said interaction with the kids is her reason for volunteering.
“When you see a child who’s five or six and at the start of the year they’re a little bit afraid, and at the end of the year they’re making really great slides, it really gives you a great feeling,” she said.
McNeil said the smiles on the kids’ faces and their feeling of accomplishment make it worthwhile.
“When you hear one of them yell, “I did it” after making a shot, it’s pretty impressive,” he said.
Jen Anthony, Emily’s mom, has also helped out in the past. “Emily and her brother David both got a lot out of it,” she said. “I come out to watch because the kids are just adorable.”
Richardson said the program has strong backing from the community, and a history of attracting volunteers.
“Sue, Nigel and Gale Steadman ran the program for years and we have always had strong support from businesses and community groups in Wallaceburg,” she said.
Jim, you forgot the best part–the program is absolutly free. They don't charge a time. All in all it's a great value for parents and kids. That's probably the reason why people later give back by volunteering.
Both of my children are part of this amazing program. The coaches not only teach the children the physical skills and techniwue involved in executing a curling game, they teach each child the etiqutte involved as well. They are absolutely wonderful. We are blessed to have this program so close to home and my children will continue to be a part of it until, maybe one day, they too can become coaches.