Since 2000, Marla Forth has been running the Junior curling program when the Chestermere Curling club made a purchase of three sets of Junior curling stones which are specialized stones made out of a conglomerate of plastic which are half the weight of Granite curling stones.
Forth explained that Junior curling is a sport that is great for those kids who are used to more aggressive team sports such as hockey and soccer, but it is also very attractive to those kids who do not do well in team sports, curling is unique that way since you are trying to improve yourself individually as well as learning to work together in small teams of four.
“When I started with the junior program the numbers were small and gradually registration increased to the point I had to go with two separate draw times”, explained Forth.
The program runs from January through March on Sunday afternoons, the first draw is for Beginner curlers and the second draw for Intermediate curlers. “It is open to children from 7 to 18 years of age. In 2010, the year the Winter Olympics were held in Vancouver we were at capacity for the program, and I have not had to advertised for the past 6 years because through word of mouth we were able to practically fill up the program each year with almost 60 participants. This year is the first year that we had a decrease in numbers with only 40 registered. Next curling season I plan to advertise early to increase awareness in the program again”, adds Forth.
It is important to note that Forth volunteers her time to run this program which is something that some of the parents whose children have participated in the program are so thankful for. “Many, many weeks she is alone out there without help from any parents or assistants,…sometimes up to 30 kids are with her. What a beautiful example of someone giving back to the community”, says Karen Guider.
Barb Haberstock added, “We have so appreciated Marla and she is such an inspiration”.
Forth modestly says, “I never thought I would continue to volunteer in this capacity once my own children had out grown the program but it really warms my heart to see how excited the kids are that register in the program. They are very attentive to the safety aspects of the game and because of this they are assured to have fun and truly enjoy the sport as much as I do. Most years I have been able to organize a surprise for the kids with a visit from a special guest, curling great Johnny Mo. He popped in on my junior curlers only weeks after winning a Gold Medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics and we have wonderful memories with the kids adoring him and his Gold medal. He also spent some time on ice with my juniors one week after winning the Brier when it was held in Calgary last winter!”
Volunteerism is quite often the key to the success of local programs. Amazing people in our community volunteer every day to ensure that programs and organizations are available in our city. To the youth in our community that take part in the Junior curling program, Forth is nothing short of their hero – and to her they say “thank you”!
