Curling was introduced to the Winter Olympics in 1924.
Curling is a sport that originated in Scotland and is played by two teams of four players. The aim of the game is to slide a stone down a long sheet of ice towards a target area. It’s considered one of the most difficult sports to master, with both physical and mental challenges that make it a true test of skill. One of the biggest reasons for curling’s continued popularity is its ability to bring people together, as it can be played by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability.
How do you play curling?
There are two teams in curling, each with four players. Each team tries to slide their stones closest to the centre target area, known as the house. This can be done by hitting your opponent’s stones away from their desired position or by strategically positioning your own stones so they have an advantage over your opponent’s.
Why do they sweep in curling?
“Sweeping”, or “scrubbing”, is what helps get the stone moving faster down the ice surface. When sweeping, you use a broom-like brush made out of wood or fibre that you drag along behind your stone as it moves forward. The friction between the brush and ice surface helps move your stone faster and reduces friction between your stone and ice surface.
