Back in May 2024 IMAS announced a partnership with Rock Solid Productions in Canada the Official Development Partner of the World Curling Federation.
This week saw us closer to home at a session in Barnsley, South Yorkshire where Mac McKechnie is pioneering New Age Kurling. Mac’ has helped set up several sessions following some mobility issues forcing his retirement from Walking Cricket. He explained, “the thing about” (New Age) “Kurling is that it’s a sport that anyone can take part in. We have participants who are partially sighted or have acquired disabilities due to age or illness. This is an activity that is attractive to people of all abilities and ages and could rightfully be described as Mixed Ability.”
Mac has demonstrated the sport in various Yorkshire locations, and these have developed into regular weekly sessions including the two in the Barnsley region. An important component is the social aspect of the sessions. Christine Mellor a player in sessions at Cudworth and Hoyland leisure centres explained, “I’ve been coming for about six months, I come for the social aspect, there’s lots of friendly banter and lovely people.”
Mac Mckechnie championing New Age Kurling in Yorkshire
On this visit to the Hoyland meeting IMAS Trainer Paul had his first experience of the game and reported that he gained confidence from the support of other competitors. “The others on my team were really helpful, my Cerebral Palsy means it’s hard for me to keep my balance, but I can play using my walker, even sitting down.”
Whilst the competitive element of the game was undeniably attractive, (there was some punching of the air and shouts of “YES!”) all the participants also stayed behind after the session for a cuppa and a chat. Mac has structured the get-togethers to encourage social interaction, with the final 30 minutes given over to tea, biscuits and a good gossip.
IMAS Trainer Paul enjoyed the social interaction as much as the game itself
IMAS is keen to trial Mixed Ability Curling in Bradford and Mac has offered his assistance to structure the first few sessions when we launch in autumn 2024.
In the words of Paul, “I would strongly recommend other people to have a go, it’s really, really good!”
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