Olympic curling dreams nurtured

The money hopes to support existing talent and develop new players

Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell has announced a �385,000 funding package to help keep Scotland among the world's top curling nations.

He made the announcement while officially opening an ice rink upgrade in Lockerbie.

It is the home rink of current European gold medallist skip David Murdoch and his team mate Euan Byers.

Mr Maxwell said the funding could help develop "elite athletes" in the run-up to the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The improvements at Lockerbie Ice Rink were supported by more than �200,000 from Sportscotland.

It is designed to allow the facility to continue to develop local curling and skating talent at all levels.

Rink chairman Alistair Stevenson said: "This support is testament to the hard working staff and many volunteers who generously give their time to help with the running of the ice rink."

Mr Maxwell took the opportunity to announce funding for the development of the game across the country.

Successful sport

Sportscotland chief executive Stewart Harris said the money would enable curling to build on previous successes.

"Curling is one of Scotland's most successful sports with 35 medals on the world stage over the last 10 years but investment in the sport is essential if we are to continue that excellent track record," he said.

The support was welcomed by the Royal Caledonian Curling Club chief executive Colin Grahamslaw.

"The Royal Club is delighted to continue to receive strong levels of support from Sportscotland not only for our medal winning teams but also toward the rest of the player pathway," he said.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version