Curlers take to the ice

The Winter Olympics in Vancouver have opened up the American public’s eyes to a new sport, curling. But the sport itself isn’t new at all — it was developed in Scotland in the 1600s, and it has had a home in the Rochester area for the past 49 years. The Rochester Curling Club in Gates is home to numerous leagues and competitions and will host the regional playdowns for its 50th anniversary in January of 2011. Avid curlers tout the game as a physical and mental contest — and one that’s open to everyone, ages 7 to 77.