St. Albert Curling Club Hosts Inclusive Event for Neurodiverse Participants

The St. Albert Curling Club in Alberta, Canada, hosted a sensory-friendly drop-in event on Saturday morning aimed at neurodiverse individuals of all ages. Titled “Stones, Sweeps and Neurodiverse Peeps,” the gathering was organized by Nicky Kaufman to provide a welcoming environment for those interested in curling while requiring a more relaxed setting.

Kaufman, who was recently diagnosed with autism and ADHD, expressed her motivation for the event. “Curling has done so much for me,” she told CTV News Edmonton. “I wanted to give back and show everyone that curling can be a game for anyone, no matter your abilities.” The event featured various accommodations to ensure comfort, including dimmed lights, reduced crowd sizes, and a private room available for participants needing a break. Neuro-affirming instructors and volunteers were present to support attendees.

For Kaufman, curling offers a unique structure that appeals to many. “Some of the more physical sports are challenging, but I love the structure of curling. It’s very friendly; it’s very orderly, and the strategy keeps me interested,” she stated. The welcoming atmosphere was emphasized as she encouraged participants to feel comfortable, saying, “You’re welcome here, just as you are. Doesn’t matter if you need accommodations, like wearing headphones or sunglasses, or if you need to stim or fidget. Everyone’s welcome.”

Families attended the event, including Logan and his son Brody, who were eager to explore curling as a winter sport. “I’m trying to get Brody interested in some sports, and he loves winter, so I figured curling would be a perfect introductory winter sport for him,” Logan explained. Brody chimed in, confirming his enthusiasm, “Yes, it’s my favourite sport.”

The event also saw support from family members, including Kaufman’s niece, Charisma, who shared her perspective on the initiative. “I feel like she just wanted to make a safer place for people. She shows support when it comes to hockey for me, so I give it back,” she said.

The positive response from attendees has encouraged the St. Albert Curling Club to plan a second drop-in event on October 25, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kaufman expressed hope for the future, stating, “I hope we can grow this into something bigger, hold more sessions, maybe a learn to curl program and eventually bring in a special, sensory-friendly league.”

With the success of the inaugural event, the community looks forward to expanding this inclusive initiative, which aims to foster participation in curling for neurodiverse individuals.