SportsPay Foundation’s commitment to growing women’s and youth participation in sport made a meaningful impact on Quebec’s curling community this season. Through a $20,000 donation to Curling Québec, the Foundation helped launch new opportunities for women and junior athletes while removing financial barriers that can prevent people from trying the sport.

Curling 101 for Women: Building Skills and Community

The funding supported three key initiatives. Half of the funding—$10,000—was invested in Curling 101 for Women, a learn-to-curl program in Quebec created specifically for women and taught entirely by female instructors.

Designed for women interested in trying a new physical activity in a welcoming environment, the eight-week program combined weekly two-hour sessions with light snacks and social time afterward, creating an atmosphere where participants could learn the game while building friendships and confidence.

The funding covered ice rental, instructor fees, refreshments, and free childcare, ensuring the program was as accessible as possible.

Sixty women participated across seven curling clubs throughout Quebec, and the results exceeded expectations.

“Most of the clubs retained between 75 and 80 per cent of the participants,” said Alanna Routledge, Executive Director of Curling Québec. “They became members of their clubs, which is exactly what we were hoping for.”

Complimentary childcare is offered as part of this program, and while just two participants took advantage of the service this time around, Curling Québec plans to continue offering it when the program returns this fall.

“We want to keep childcare available because we know it can remove a barrier,” Routledge explained. “We’d also like to reach more single mothers who may not have someone available to watch their children while they participate.”

An equally important element of the program was the opportunity for participants to socialize after each lesson.

“The snacks really helped create a sense of belonging,” said Routledge. “The women stayed, talked, got to know one another, and that community aspect kept them coming back each week.”

Curling Québec plans to offer Curling 101 for Women again this fall with a new group of participants.

Supporting Current Athletes

The remaining $10,000 was divided equally between two bursary programs.

The first provided five $1,000 bursaries to junior athletes already competing in the sport, helping offset expenses such as travel to tournaments and competition costs.

Demand far exceeded the available funding.

Thirty athletes applied for the five bursaries, with recipients selected by committee based on the strength of their applications.

“The bursaries were very much needed,” Routledge said. “It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm.”

Helping the Next Generation Get Started

The final $5,000 funded ten $500 bursaries for first-year junior curlers under the age of 20.

Rather than applying individually, local curling clubs submitted applications on behalf of new junior members. The bursaries covered annual membership fees and essential equipment, including curling brooms, giving young athletes everything they needed to begin their curling journey.

Twenty juniors applied for the ten available bursaries.

The equipment support proved especially valuable for players hesitant to invest in a new sport. “Having their own equipment makes a real difference, said Routledge. “They don’t have to rely on rental equipment, and a good broom can last for several years.”

Whenever possible, priority was given to applicants from lower-income families, helping ensure cost would not prevent young people from participating.

One memorable recipient was an exchange student from Japan, highlighting the growing diversity within Quebec’s curling community.

Because curling registration fees are relatively affordable compared with many other sports, covering equipment costs creates a nearly barrier-free entry into the game.

Looking Ahead to Fall

Although most curling clubs close their ice during the summer months, Curling Québec is already preparing for the upcoming season. Promotion for fall programming will begin in late August, with new sessions running from October through end of December.

The success of all three initiatives demonstrates how targeted investments can create meaningful impact. Whether introducing women to curling for the first time, helping competitive athletes continue pursuing their goals, or giving juniors the equipment they need to get started, SportsPay Foundation’s support has helped strengthen communities throughout Quebec. “The clubs and the players themselves are really happy with the program,” Routledge said. “It has been a huge success.”