It may have been invented in medieval Scotland, but no nation has embraced the delicately precise, exquisitely tactical game of curling more passionately—and successfully—than Canada. The Canadian Men’s team took home the gold in Turin, Italy and Canadians scored double gold in this year's World Seniors; bronze in the World Mixed Doubles. We dominate the game worldwide and our fans are crazy-loyal: curling was the only competition where tickets were offered in a full package at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games.

But even if you can’t make it to British Columia this February, you can still find out what all the fuss is about: just head over to Canada’s capital of curling—Manitoba—where the big 2010 tournaments have thoughtfully rearranged themselves around the 2010 Winter Games.

Our Olympic curlers are born in the community halls and curling clubs that proliferate in virtually every city and town, and nowhere in Canada is the roaring game pursued with more devotion than on the Prairies. This is what Prairie folks do all winter for fun; there isn't a city without multiple rinks solidly booked day or night, not a town without its very own well-used, lovingly built rink.

In Manitoba, you can watch the MCA Safeway Championship Southern Berth Spiel Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2009 in East St. Paul; the 2010 Manitoba Juniors from Dec. 18 to 22 in 2009 at two Winnipeg rinks: and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts Jan 6 to 10th, 2010, at Killarney's Shamrock Centre.

And if Manitoba’s not on your itinerary? Just pick a club anywhere in Canada, check out its schedule, and drop by to watch our beloved slow-motion ice ballet of rocky action.

www.curlmanitoba.org
www.hellobc.com
www.vancouver2010.com
www.travelmanitoba.com