Sport In Profile UK Issue 02 | Page 35

AYR CURLING CLUB AYR CURLING CLUB Article provided by Club President Bobby Ireland I have been involved in the club since I was 16 which was 35 years ago and started because my father and brother both played the sport and it looked to be an interesting and social sport. Ayr Curling Club has 640 members at present and I am honoured to be President. These 640 members each have the chance to join one of 44 local clubs which play leagues within their own club and also competitions against other local clubs. There is also the chance to play against other ice rinks throughout Scotland. The Clubs can be mixed, male or female. The club is on an up at the moment following the past winter Olympic Games when Ayr Curling Club had club member Scott Andrews as part of the Men’s Olympic team who went on to gain a silver medal and as a result we had very successful Try Curling Sessions with 250 people wishing to try the sport, many of whom have expressed an interest in returning this season. The first Sunday after the Try Curling our junior section was on and instead of the usual 15 -20 members we had around 50– 60 and we hope all will return this season. We also have Billy Morton who won the Scottish Mixed Championship and Robert Anderson and Robert Clark who won the Men’s senior over 50 Championship. Also, our ladies won the Morton Trophy for the second year in a row and our men won the Maxwell Trophy also for the second year in a row, both of these are for three rinks and you play other ice rinks in Scotland to reach the finals. Last year we formed a development group with the hope of capitalising on the Winter Olympic Games. With a lot of hard work we have a network of well organised and qualified coaches. We also have a new website http://www.ayrcurlingclub. co.uk/ and are reaching out to the local community. We have started trying to attract the corporate world to use our facilities as we have a large dining area and fantastic catering which would suit their needs. Wellington School is a warm, friendly, family school with 560 boys and girls. With a purposeful atmosphere and a very strong ethos your child will love the small class sizes, extensive sporting opportunities and exciting outdoor experiences. Wellington has been in the top 3 schools in Scotand for 5 of the past 7 years. 98% of S6 go on to university. Open Days How important is your child’s future? Tuesday Nov 4 6-7.30pm WELLINGTON SCHOOL Wednesday Nov 5 2-4pm an opportunity for life www.wellingtonschool.org small class size excellent academic record visit the school at any time phone 01292 269321 Independent Co-educational School in Ayr, 3-18 Fully and partly funded places at all stages Come and see for yourself! www.sportip.co.uk 35