Aviemore ice rink's appeal for equipment ahead of curling comeback
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The sport of curling is on its way back to Badenoch and Strathspey – and the group behind its return are appealing to members of the public to donate equipment to help them get started.
Members of the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust are appealing to the wider community for donations of any old and unwanted curling equipment, as they look to begin coaching sessions for school children in the area.
In 2021, the group launched Aviemore Ice – the first ice rink in Aviemore in over 20 years.
The new 20 x 12 metre rink, set under a large marquee on the grounds of Macdonald Aviemore Resort, was built on the same site as the previous ice rink which was controversially demolished in 1999.
Over 17,500 visits have been made to the new rink since it was opened.
Members of the trust are now looking to put the ice to use by introducing curling coaching to schools locally.
The idea transpired following the trust's AGM a few weeks ago, and on the back of some interest in revitalising the sport, the group have identified coaches who are willing to come along to help and pass on their knowledge.
Scottish curling made an appeal to Highland schools earlier this year as part of an initiative to help youngsters learn more about the sport in the wake of Team GB winning curling gold at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Rink manager and coach Amanda Clinton will now travel to the Scottish Curling AGM for ice users in Edinburgh to discuss how the Aviemore group can integrate their plans with the schools starter programme.
Janis Bootle, of the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust, said: "We are just trying to improve the quality of life and sporting opportunities for Aviemore, which is nowadays quite short of public facilities.
"We have the old stones from the ice rink, which have been donated and we have reattached handles, but we need smaller ones for the kids.
"If you have any shoes, brushes or any other equipment you wish to donate, please get in touch with Amanda Clinton at Aviemore Ice on amanda.clinton@aviemoreicerink.com."
It is hoped that coaching sessions will begin in the autumn.
