The Canadian Curling Association (CCA) in cooperation with key funding partners the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX); Tim Hortons, Sport Canada and the World Curling Federation (WCF), has committed to a long range plan broadly focused at allowing every Canadian the opportunity to experience the thrill of throwing theirfirst curling stone and playing their first end!

The objective of Discover Curling is to address curling club development beyond and in addition to the Business of Curling program. With Vancouver 2010 on the horizon, the CCA wants to make significant strides in recruitment by re-positioning key elements of our programs & services to better meet the needs of our member facilities and stakeholders all the while taking advantage of the highest profile our sport will ever receive.

The Discover Curling project is a long term, active recruitment strategy for targeted groups ranging from Canadians with disabilities: including wheelchair, hearing and visually impaired and Special Olympics; to community based organizations and the growing cultural segments of the Canadian cities and towns. We want and should be developing a participant base in our sport that accurately represents the Canadian population by offering equitable entry level opportunities, basic and advanced training, coaching and other positions to fully involve new participants in our sport.

The Discover Curling vision will be a key component of our sport’s member / customer recruitment strategy and crucial to our long range goal for growth at the community level.

In building this plan, we adhered to these important guiding principles:

• We are committed to improving the quality of life in communities based on inclusiveness, fair play and teamwork through curling.
• Our programs and facilities are safe and free of harassment and bias.
• Instructors, trainers, coaches and mentors are trained to deliver appropriate programs.
• We are committed to adapting to the special needs, cultural traditions and customs of our target groups.
• Our instruction / training will be guided by an operational philosophy of Getting Started, Getting Better and Getting Involved.

We are committed to offering programs and services to our constituents in both Official Languages and culturally appropriate languages where possible.

We aim to achieve our mandate by realizing our ends statements:

• Established relationships and custom programming for persons in wheelchairs, Canadians who are hearing impaired, Canadians with an intellectual disability (Special Olympics), and Canadians who are visually impaired.
• Established relationships with special interest groups with reasonable access to curling facilities, entry level training and assistance with competitive opportunities. Special interest groups will include anyone sharing a passion, hobby, employment, common objective, etc.
• Built partnerships with Canada’s changing population mosaic and are delivering appropriate programs with appropriate instruction and coaching.
• Established relationships with Aboriginal Peoples, identified talented athletes, designed a coaching stream through training and mentorship, and introduced curling to the North American Winter Indigenous Games.

Strategic Planning Activities

• In conjunction with our partners, we will plan, develop, implement, monitor and evaluate a curling development model for people with a disability or special requirements.
• Produce an annual work programme, which identifies critical tasks, timelines and performance indicators with input from the Canadian Curling Association, member associations, affiliates, and related National, Provincial and Regional Sport Organizations.
• Develop, co-ordinate and promote curling programs for Canadians with disabilities beginning with an introduction to the sport at a community rink. Then create the performance pathway for participants with a disability and special interest groups and facilitating the development of a regional, provincial / territorial and national competition programs.
• Schedule training camps and key competitions for intermediate and high performance athletes. Develop instructor / coaching stream particular to the needs of each target.
• Develop, co-ordinate and promote a strong network of groups representing Canadians with disabilities and special interest groups at the community level.
• Work with existing buildings to ensure safe access, knowledge of programs and training of instructors / coaches and facilitate the recruitment and retention of volunteers.
• Recruit, retain and advance instructor coaches trained to work with participants with a disability and special interest groups.
• In conjunction with our stakeholders, develop a disability awareness module to be incorporated into all CCA coaching streams and the Business of Curling program.
• Provide a world class training and competitive environment at each level of programming including the provincial & high performance programs and provide ongoing support to coaches and other technical staff as required.
• Develop and schedule training camps and symposiums.
• Develop appropriate campaigns to raise the awareness and profile of curling for persons with a disability and special interest groups through all appropriate outlets.

We very much look forward to working with you in the next four years as we work to have new groups of Canadians “Discover Curling”!

For more information, please contact:
Danny Lamoureux
Manager of Curling Club Development
1-800-550-2875 (106)
danny@curling.ca