2013 Curling Weekend

The inaugural RBIF Curling Weekend was held on 16-17 November at the Kamaraerdei Curling Club in Budaörs, where almost 100 complete beginners got their first taste of this centuries’ old winter sport.

The choice of curling may seem strange, but with the sport having been invented in Scotland around 500 years ago, this was an opportunity that a Scottish-Hungarian foundation simply could not miss.

Sliding, sweeping, not falling over, these were just some of the skills that the budding curling players were taught in groups of 16 over the weekend. What surprised everyone was the physical stamina required on the ice rink, especially with curling broom in hand. Did you know a professional curler can burn up to 3000 calories during a championship game?

The instructors at the club were very professional, and patient (!) with all the participants, and the high standard of instruction was demonstrated by the fact that after just 2 hours, all the teams were able to pair off and have mini competitions.

Thanks to our catering sponsor Tom&George’s Italiano there was some delicious finger-food waiting for the curlers when they eventually made their way off the ice, often reluctantly!

Apart from the Curling Club and the Hungarian Curling Federation, without whose help the event would never have got off the ground, our thanks also goes to the Hungarian Paralympic Association and KPMG for their assistance in part-financing the weekend cost of hiring the ice rink.

Due to the resounding success of the event we plan to make this a regular annual fundraiser, so if you fancy yourself as the next curling champion, or would just like to give it a go, keep an eye on our Facebook page and website next year!

Pictures of the event can be found on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robert-Burns-International-Foundation/226156137507358?ref=hl