The Keystone Rainbow Curling League (KRCL) is an open (any gender combination) curling league open to GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) people and their allies, of all ages and curling abilities.

 

Games are usually on Sunday afternoons at 1:30 pm from October to March or early April. There are currently 21 teams that play in three divisions, with teams sorted by skill level.

 

The social aspect of curling is very important to the success of the KRCL, and it’s not uncommon for members to have lunch in the dining room before their Sunday afternoon game. After each game players usually retreat to the lounge where they socialize, share curling experiences, discuss strategy or just enjoy friendly conversation over food or drinks.

 

Many lasting friendships (yes, even relationships!) have had their roots in the curling lounge. Besides a cardiovascular workout, challenging strategy and team cooperation, curlers enjoy a wonderful off-ice atmosphere of camaraderie that is unmatched in other winter team sports. Integrity, a sense of fair play and friendly competition are all hallmarks of the sport. It is also one of the few sports where men and women of all ages can compete equally. If you are a member of Manitoba's GLBTT* community, or an ally

 

-- WE NEED YOU!

 

2016 CANADIAN GAY CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

 

The 11th annual Canadian Gay Curling Championships (CGCC) will be held February 12 to 14, 2016, at the Granite Curling Club. It will be hosted by Winnipeg’s Keystone Rainbow Curling League, which is one of nine GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) curling leagues from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton Saskatoon, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and St. John’s (which receieved a wild card invite) sending representatives to the 16-team event. AT THE SAME TIME, more teams from across Canada will be gathering for the Keystone Rainbow Curling League’s annual 24-team bonspiel, the Bison Cup, which will share ice time with the CGCC at the Granite.

 

For the nationals, last year’s champions from Vancouver will be returning to defend their title, while Winnipeg’s Team Ingram (last years runner up) and Team Marcon will be wearing the Manitoba crests and carrying the hopes of many locals for a championship on home ice. The ceremonial first rock will be delivered by Canadian Olympic Gold Medallists Jill Officer and Kaitlyn Lawes.

 

The event gets underway Thursday (Feb 11) evening with registration at the Canadian Human Rights Museum, where visiting curlers will be treated to a guided tour and reception. Games will be played starting Friday morning (Feb 12) at 9:00 am with the finals going Sunday (Feb 14) at 4:00 pm.

 

The Canadian Gay Curling Championships started in 2006 in Edmonton. They were created by the founding leagues to provide a competitive event for Canada’s top GLBT* curlers to participate in the historic sport of curling in an inclusive and supportive environment. Since then, the competition has grown to welcome new GLBT leagues from across Canada. The championship has previously been won by Vancouver 5 times, Toronto 3 times with Ottawa and Montreal each winning once. Winnipeg’s Team Ingram has previously placed 2nd twice, once in 2008 and more recently last year(2015) in Toronto.

 

This year’s major sponsors include: RBC Royal Bank, Asham Curling Supplies, RONA -775 Panet Rd, PSAC, Beaton Construction, Mercedes Benz Winnipeg & Fame Nightclub.

 

More info can be found at www.keystonecurling.com.