Rainbow Rockers: Ottawa’s LGBTQ2S+ Friendly Curling League

The Rainbow Rockers Curling League was formed in the summer of 2002, following a successful “In the Pink” bonspiel in March 2002. The league began with 8 teams and with tremendous growth over the years, is operating with 42 teams in the 2023-2024 season. Membership is open to the LGBTQ2S+ Ottawa community with any level of curling ability – from a total rookie to a seasoned veteran. Individuals are welcome to join as a full member or as a spare. Returning members are given priority to renew their membership in the league. Curling takes place at the Ottawa Curling Club (440 O’Connor Street) during the curling season from October to April. Teams are set up at the start of the season and play in a round robin league format. After each game, most curlers socialize in the lounge over a beverage or two! The emphasis is always on fun and friendly competition. In addition, each year the league hosts an open bonspiel, called the Over The Rainbow Bonspiel (OTRB) at the Ottawa Curling Club. In 2011 & 2019, the league hosted the Gay National Championship (now called the Canadian Pride Curling Championship) in conjunction with the annual OTRB bonspiel.

There is a lot of information about the game of curling available at the Canadian Curling Association web site, including Rules of Curling for General Play.  https://www.curling.ca/about-curling/