New Age Kurling
New age kurling is a modern variant of the original game of curling, which is said to have originated in medieval Scotland. Sometimes referred to as 'chess on ice', the original game involves two teams of four players, each who endeavor to slide heavy granite stones down slabs of prepared ice towards a target.
The brainchild of John Bennett, new age kurling came about in 2000 when John and his son sat down to think up a sport in which disabled individuals could easily participate. While watching the World Curling Championships on television, the pair dreamed up the indoor version of the game and set about to design the
kurling equipment that would be required to play the game properly. This included a discus with a handle and bearings (so it could slide along the ground), as well as pushers and ramps that would allow both disabled and able bodied individuals to participate in the game.
The physiological and psychological benefits of
kurling are numerous. We list a few here:
- It can be used as part of physical rehabilitation programs in hospitals due to the fact that it doesn't require any physical fitness, but works a variety of muscles that aren't targeted by everyday actions.
- It allows disabled individuals to compete with their able-bodied counterparts on an equal level.
- It can be played in any weather since it is an indoor sport.
- It provides an exciting new alternative to conventional sports and challenges athletes to learn a brand new set of skills.
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The game, although originally intended only for disabled participants, has become incredibly popular with the able-bodied as well, and new variations thereof have evolved, including Kurling Kroquet and Kurling Golf. It is now being enjoyed by teams and individuals all over the world and there are even national and international championships that measure regional champions against one another! It is estimated that by the end of 2009
new age kurling will be played in a whopping 174 countries and there is even talk of it being declared a Paralympics sport by 2012.
Come to McSport of for all your
sports equipment needs. We take the guesswork out of selecting the most affordable, high quality
kurling equipment.