Floor curling-helping seniors keep active-PEI native Erin Carmody & skip Laura Crocker give it a try

PEI native Erin Carmody and her skip Laura Crocker paid a visit to an Edmonton nursing home (Rosedale Seniors Living, one of their sponsors) yesterday, to meet with the residents and play a little floor curling. The residents play twice a week and were reported to be very proficient at the sport, which is also played at the BC Seniors and Alberta 55+ games. Danny Lamoureux of the Canadian Curling Association says that floor curling is “a great way to introduce people to the Olympic sport of curling”. Floor curling is becoming popular at seniors centres as it promotes flexibility, increased range of motion, and circulation. It uses the same equipment that introduces students to curling with the Capital One Rocks and Rings program in PEI and other provinces. The sport is also becoming popular with participants with disabilities, as it allows players of all abilities to compete on a level playing field. Pusher sticks, which allow participants, including those in wheelchairs, to easily deliver the floor curling “rocks” without bending to floor level, are used. The equipment is lightweight and can be set up within minutes. Storage space requirements are minimal and the playing area can be modified to fit available space.