Alberta’s curling community is uniquely and foundationally Canadian curling. The diverse, traditional and historical characteristics that we closely hold as truly “Alberta Curling” are ingrained in the past and present identity of the people in our wonderful province who invest themselves into the sport. It is the members of this vast province who understand the fingerprint of our beloved sport in Alberta; one that connects us all back to the heart of curling.
We have the privilege and responsibility to engage and clarify the essence of grassroots curling as curling culture in the homes of those interested. As the landscape and demographic of our communities change, so does curling, and so must the way we think about accessing it, for new, current and former members. If we expect curling to exist and grow as it so desperately needs, we need to continue, if not increase, our conversations and actions at home and in our communities.
In our modern time, technology has advanced the way we access and interact with information and extend conversations. Consuming media, and fast media at that, is a significant part of our language and our culture. Curling at home, though enhanced by the use of livestream, is widely and solely reliant on modern media broadcasting. Established, larger media platforms currently share massive control of the narrative when it comes to portraying the curling landscape in our nation, each with their own perspective and diligence on what we consume as viewers. Curling Alberta has the responsibility, capacity, competency and resources to produce and maintain a platform where the narrative of our curling community can come right from the source. In return, having our neighbours be able to craft and take ownership of the way they reveal curling to others benefits the endorsement of curling as a viable and accessible sport for all age ranges at all points in sport development and life.
Accessibility to curling is fundamental for the sport to not only ensure indicators of growth but to also provide equity and inclusivity. Broadcasting is currently an untapped method of consumption for curling that is currently unexplored and underdeveloped in the province. UNTIL NOW! Curling Alberta’s The Home End series is designed in mind and in delivery as a humble pathway to reveal the successes of people, clubs, events and communities as they embark in curling endeavors. Alongside the many ways our community’s partner with Curling Alberta, The Home End is not intended as additional minutia- it is real people provided the chance to really talk curling.
To state that this is the best method or the sole entity that can change growth patterns of curling in our province would be hugely irresponsible. However, my hope is that we continue to inspire and allow the curling community to take ownership of curling back into the home. With a few clicks or taps on our devices we can model, teach and engage with a portion of our curling community about content, knowledge and understanding that has had very little opportunity, less clarity or an unidentified voice.
My hopes for you, for me and for The Home End:
- Highlight the successes that people and communities in Alberta continue to achieve in the sport curling.
- To engage with local dignitaries, athletes, developers and members that showcase a variety of events, initiatives and ideas about Alberta curling.
- Encourage listeners and participants to share their curling stories, memories, experiences and perspectives about curling.
- Extend invitation to social media platforms as another medium for curling consumption.
- An accessible and safe platform to provide media experience and training for athletes across their development.
- Reveal and reflect upon championships and local events in member clubs and areas.
- A potential space for community partnerships.
As my last sentiment- the sport of curling has and will always be my passion. Part of that passion is to continue to grow and learn alongside others through perspectives and lenses I may never be able to see on my own. This work in growing perspective is true in nature- it is work. However, The Home End has already taught me that we all deserve a place in the curling community if we choose, but if we are looking to grow in the sport, then we have the responsibility to grow alongside one another in the most decent and truest way- to bring it home and invite others in.
The Home End’s first episode featuring Team Sturmay, fresh from their win at the 2024 Sentinel Storage Alberta Scotties can be found on Curling Alberta’s YouTube channel. Through meaningful conversations and interactions with our engaged guests and curling communities, we offer you a humble insight and experience beyond the glass, off the sheets and into your homes!
With my unwavering gratitude to you all, from now and furthermore.
Thank you.
Evan Asmussen
[email protected]
