The game which is officially known as New Age Kurling, is based on the Winter Olympic sport of Ice Curling, and is continuing to grow rapidly in Ipswich as part of the ActivIpswich Sports Project. The programme is delivered by ActivLives in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council and is funded by Sport England and the National Lottery.
“ActivIpswich is a sports project for people who are over the age of 45 and who are not currently involved in regular sport or physical activity”, explained Mike McCarthy, the Project Manager. Many of our regular participants are in their 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s. It is absolutely brilliant to see so many people getting involved in regular social sport”.
“We have now held several of these social competitions across Ipswich. There are many groups playing regularly across the town as part of the project. These competitions provide an opportunity for people to come together from the various groups, to pit their skills against each other and of course, to enjoy themselves”, said Mike.
Kurling is just one of several sports that make up the ActivIpswich programme, others currently include badminton, table tennis, bowls, boccia, walking football, archery and short tennis.
These activities are very inclusive, most can be played by wheelchair users as well as those with limited mobility and fitness. Refreshments are included as part of the sessions. In addition to the regular weekly programme there are also additional events coming up this autumn including the ‘ActivPentathlon’, a programme which involves taster sessions in racket sports, petanque, yoga, sports hall athletics and gymnastics.
If you would like to find out more about the ActivPentathlon or any of the other programmes and sessions run by ActivIpswich, please contact Mike McCarthy on 01473 345350 or email mike@activlives.org.uk
Kurling Stones Keep on Rolling with ActivIpswich
