The new generation of curlers being taught in Lancashire

The Flower Bowl is one of two designated curling rinks in the UK

Author: Alex UsherPublished 16th Feb 2022

It’s hoped Lancashire will play more of a part in future winter Olympics thanks to a new generation being taught at one of the UK’s only designated curling rinks.

The Flower Bowl in Barton near Preston opened in 2018 and since then has seen thousands of people give curling a go.

As Team GB take to the ice against the Russians in the Curling in this morning, we’ve been taking a deepdive into the sport which has kept thousands of people glued to their TV screens.

We sent our Reporter Jamie Williamson to give it a go.

Rouri White is the manager of The Flower Bowl and hopes the venue has already inspired some people to take up the sport more seriously.

"It's been doing really well", said Rouri.

"For example, we have got Preston Curling Club. They started with quite a small number of curlers who would make their way up, and now the club has grown to around about 60, 70 members. There's a lot of people who have come on to our courses that could potentially end up joining the club as well.

"There's definitely a peak of interest going on at the moment with curling.

"We always knew that when we got round to the Olympic cycle that it would have an effect, so we're hoping it pushes the amount of people that want to have a shot. Hopefully we can try to retain them and get a bit more hype to keep that going all year round and hopefully grow the sport in England itself. Maybe get some new English champions, and who knows, maybe Team GB again in the future.

"My brother is actually fifth man in the Olympic team, and Grant Hardie, who plays vice, was actually one of the best men at my wedding. I know them quite well, certainly supporting them from home."

What are the new sports at this years Winter Olympics?

Women's Monobob

Women's monobob joins the two-man, two-woman and four-man events on the Olympic program.

Men’s and Women’s Big Air (Freestyle Skiing)

Ski big air will make its Olympic debut in Beijing with medal events being held for both men and women.

Mixed Team Snowboard Cross

Mixed team snowboard cross debuted at the world championships in 2019.

Mixed Team Aerials

Aerials has been predominately an individual sport up to this point.

Mixed Team Short Track Relay

The short track program will add a third relay event to the Winter Olympics schedule as the new mixed team relay joins the existing men's 5000m and women's 3000m relays.

Mixed Team Ski Jumping

Ski jumping has featured a men's team event since 1988, but now a mixed team event will be added to the program for the first time.

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