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ANDERSON — Dennis Martin grew up playing hockey, but curling eventually became his pastime of choice.
For the Canada native who relocated to Indianapolis with his family more than a decade ago, the sport provided a way to unwind.
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Martin serves on the facilities committee of Circle City Curling Club — one of two Indiana curling outfits — in Anderson. He previously served on the organization’s board of directors.
He and his wife, Sharon, who serves as the board’s vice president, have been members of Circle City for nine years.
Both served as instructors for the Learn to Curl Clinic Saturday at the club’s facility on 53rd Street in Anderson.
More than 20 people participated in the two-hour clinic, which outlined the basics of curling, including throwing the stone and sweeping it toward the bullseye inside a perimeter known as the "house."
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"The stone rolls so slowly when you do it right,” said Keith Passwater, who participated with his wife and children. “It's not a fast game like football. It's exciting to see if it's going to stop or hit what you want it to hit."
Curling will be in the spotlight next month when the Winter Olympics open in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Having tried curling himself, Passwater said he’s looking forward to watch the competition at the highest levels.
"It's easy to do, but it's hard to do really well,” he said. “It'll be interesting to watch the professionals."
During the Games, the United States will compete in men's, women's and mixed doubles curling events. The men and women's teams made the cut through a last-minute qualifier in British Columbia.
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"We were a bit on pins and needles," Martin said. "We're expecting a lot of coverage and media attention on curling this year because (the U.S.) has a team."
Curling has been a fixture at the Winter Games since 1924. The U.S. has competed since 1998, and won its first gold medal in 2018.
Sharon hopes those that participated in Saturday's curling clinic will be able to enjoy the Games.
"You can explain to your friends why everybody is screaming, what's happening when the sweeping is happening. You can be in the know," she said.
The Circle City Curling Club offers several clinics and leagues throughout the year. Event information is available on its website.
The club was founded in 2007 at the Ellenberger Park Skating Academy in Indianapolis and steadily grew throughout the region. The Anderson facility opened in 2022.
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