OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Finding your balance on the ice to make the perfect shot is key during any game of curling, and no one knows that better than a seasoned player like Bill Morrison. 

Growing up in Minnesota, Morrison was no stranger to the long cold winters there and participated in many winter sports and activities, but it was curling that really piqued his interest. First, he learned to curl at a young age from his father, who also grew up playing the sport. 

“I was eight and I remember just being fascinated by it and then I started playing in Saturday morning juniors that very same week,” Morrison said. 

Now, years later, he still has a passion for curling and is even a board member of the Orlando Curling Club. He and his teammates meet weekly at the Ice Factory in Kissimmee, where they compete on the ice, and it’s not just for the seasoned players either — they’re hoping a younger generation will also find the fun and excitement in the sport. 

“It’s such a unique sport, and it draws in unique people,” Morrison said. “I think the community is the best for me. I feel like I can walk into any club around the world and make friends. Curling has a really strong community behind it.”

The sport itself originated in Scotland during the 16th century, and is a team sport where two teams take turns sliding stones made of granite towards targets. Curling is also played in both the winter Olympics and Paralympics.

It’s a sport based on teamwork and one Morrison and his group are excited to share with others, hoping more and more people will reach out and come to learn the art of curling. 

“It’s a great date night or whatever you want to do,” Morrison said. “Those who love it come back and some people just want to come out and try it once and that’s okay, too. We welcome everybody.”

The Orlando Curling club operates out of the Ice Factory in Central Florida. They meet once a week on Sunday mornings. To learn more about the club and dates they offer curling lessons, visit their website here.