One hundred children from Cornwall and area, ranging in age from 7 to 17, are being introduced to the sport of curling, thanks in part to the efforts of the Kinsmen Club of Cornwall through their youth curling program. On Sunday, January 30th, 2005, the Kinsmen presented a cheque for $1,500 to youth coordinator Louise McIntosh at the Cornwall Curling Centre. Over the years, Kinsmen have donated thousands to the program "so at a low cost, the sport is open to all kids in Cornwall and area", says Kinsmen John Baird. The Little Rock program is open to children aged 7 to 12, followed by the Bantam program. The instruction, by volunteers, is provided on selected Sundays at the centre. "A regular curling rock weighs 44 pounds but the program has provided rocks at 22 pounds so they are easier to handle by the young people," said Baird.

It was also announced at the cheque presentation that two rocks would be inscribed, "Kinsmen Rock," in recognition of Kinsmenšs continuing involvement in the youth curling program.

Four Little Rock participants, left to right: Emilie Lefebvre (9), Lindsay MacMillan (7), Alex Sylvester (9), all of Cornwall and Liam Chaussi (10) of St. Andrews, are all smiles as Kinsman Sheldon Lalonde receives what will be an inscribed curling rock from Louise McIntosh. Photo by John Divinski (Seaway News).