Mary Lang and Linda Wei at Peace Arch Curling Club, where a new Dragon League is attracting first-time Chinese curlers. (Contributed to Peace Arch News)
There’s a new dragon in town, but fortunately, no fantasy kingdoms at war.
Play got underway this past weekend for a new Dragon League — organized with strong support from members of the local Chinese community in South Surrey and White Rock — at Peace Arch Curling Club.
Linda Wei, Long Bo and Mary Lang are among the league’s founders, and hope the novice group will help attract new curlers to their ranks, noted an email from John Bogar, in charge of the club’s marketing and membership.
“There are many Chinese people living on the Peninsula who are familiar with curling and interested in the sport. With a bit of effort, we’re now able to introduce them to curling in a welcoming environment,” said Wei, who started curling herself two years ago, and now loves the game.
“It’s so great to get out during the winter for a regular activity, and then socialize with so many nice people at the curling club.”
Lang, an experienced curler and longtime volunteer at the Peace Arch Curling Club, provides coaching and translation support for Dragon League participants who need it.
“Many of the new curlers aren’t familiar with walking on ice, so safety was our first lesson to help them gain confidence,” Lang explained in the email. “Some were also intimidated by the size and weight of the granite rocks, which weigh 44 pounds. It’s been wonderful to see them relax and enjoy themselves as they learn to deliver the rocks down the ice.”
Many participants already recognize curling as an Olympic sport, and are aware of China’s strong international presence in curling as well, Wei noted.
“More importantly,” she said, “they see curling as Canada’s other national sport and are proud to take part.”
The Dragon League is open to everyone and will run through the end of March, when the curling season concludes. Anyone interested in trying curling next season, beginning in September, can find more information at peacearchcurling.com
