Elementary School Curling League 1991 - 2026+

Elementary School Curling League - History and Legacy!

1991 – 2026+ | A Legacy in the Making

The Elementary School Curling League began in 1991 as a simple idea shared after a curling game at the Orangeville Curling Club. Among the group were several teachers who believed strongly that juniors are the key to success in any curling club. Confident in their knowledge of the sport and passionate about youth development, they set out to create an after-school extracurricular curling league.

The founding teachers were Paul Huddleston, Louise Kendle, Marilyn McCallum, Jan Dixon, and Patti Weir.

Early Years

Eight schools were invited to participate, and since that first season the league has remained full, with very little change in school membership. The program was designed as an 8-week introduction to curling, including:

• Learn-to-curl sessions

• Round-robin games

• A fun bonspiel day

From the beginning, the league focused on participation over competition. A league trophy (still proudly held today) was presented to all teams—there was no single champion.

To keep the program affordable and sustainable, the league operated on Monday afternoons following Day Curling, requiring:

• No ice preparation

• No paid instructors

• All volunteers

Paul Huddleston and Patti Weir served as on-ice instructors, while teachers supported their teams and assisted on the ice.

The original participating schools included:

• St. Andrew

• Princess Elizabeth

• Parkinson

• The Maples

• Credit Meadows

• Princess Margaret

• St. Peter

• Mono Amaranth

Over the years, additional schools joined, including Laurel Woods, East Garafraxa, and Springbrook.

Growth and Resilience

Anne Marie Nemett and Patti Weir later earned their Level 1 Coaching certification and have continued to lead instruction. The league thrived for many years until labour disruptions and COVID-19 forced a temporary shutdown.

However, the heart and soul of the league never faded.

In 2022, the league proudly returned—once again full—with the same successful format of 8 weeks plus a bonspiel day.

Current participating schools include:

• St. Benedict

• St. Andrew

• Parkinson

• Credit Meadows

• Princess Margaret

• Princess Elizabeth

• Spencer Avenue

• Mono Amaranth

Impact and Pride

Today, 35 years later, the Elementary School Curling League continues to grow and inspire.

Students are happy.
Teachers are happy.
And the impact is lasting.

In 2024, one student who earned a medal shared that it was the first medal they had ever won. The pride they felt reminded us exactly why this league matters.

Benefits of the Program

• $0 ice preparation

• $0 instruction costs (all volunteers)

• Increased interest in high school and junior curling

• Affordable access for school teams

• An alternative sport for students not involved in hockey or lacrosse

• Opportunities for Physical Education class participation

• Boosts confidence, manners, respect, teamwork, and community

• Encourages lifelong friendships and belonging

Community Support

We are deeply grateful for our sponsors:

• Topper’s Pizza, our prime sponsor for over 10 years, generously providing over $200 in pizza annually for our bonspiel

• The Shriners, who became our 2024 Championship Medal Sponsors

Looking Ahead

Juniors are the future of curling—and this league proves it.
We are incredibly proud of what has been built, sustained, and passed on.

Sincerely,
Patti Weir
On behalf of the Elementary School Curling League