Beijing’s largest curling club promotes curling among students

Beijing’s largest curling club, I Sweep Curling Club, will give free lessons and programs to students in the city, joining efforts to promote the Olympic winter sports and offering kids the opportunity to experience the ice sport which is long considered expensive and unpopular.

The curling club, located in Beijing’s Huairou District, is the most professional in China and holds the largest space in Asia. Completed at the end of 2005, the club has served as the training venue for the national team.

Huairou District has added curling as an extracurricular activity in primary schools, middle schools and high schools since 2012. Schools offer programs to coach students on curling basics and combating skills with an aim to cultivate future professional athletes.

“Curling, long considered a noble sport, is actually very friendly for entry-level players,” said the man in charge of the club. “It is the only ice event that requires no skating skills and is accessible for all ages.”

The club has planned to expand its promotional programs to get more children involved.