“It’s easy to learn, but hard to perfect,” said Marla Forth, a dedicated and passionate curler. Marla has made a lasting impact on both the realm of curling and her local community. At 61 years old, Marla has been a full-time curler and a regular volunteer in Chestermere for 26 years.
Her life took a different turn when she and her husband welcomed their third child into the world. Marla decided to leave her job and become a stay-at-home mom in 1996. It was during this time that her volunteer career began to flourish. Marla’s volunteer work started with her children’s schools, where she became a director on the school board and ran hot lunch programs for local schools.
“Well, my dad was a curler, but we were from a small town, and we just had a one-sheet curling rink in the town where I grew up. So, the building was condemned, and we didn’t have a curling rink by the time I was old enough to be able to curl there. So, I never curled when I was younger,” said Marla.
Marla’s dedication to curling in her community started around the same time, and her contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. One of the highlights of Marla’s journey in curling is her recent induction into the Governor General’s Curling Club of Canada. This prestigious honour was bestowed upon her in September 2023 in recognition of her significant contributions to the sport at various levels.
“I started as secretary, then I moved into the president’s rule, and I got the casino going for the curling club,” said Marla. Her efforts also extended to organizing the casino for the curling club. “We were able to purchase the inserts in our curling stones, which helps them to be more true,” said Marla. She also invested in junior curling stones, which are lighter and suitable for children, making curling more accessible to young enthusiasts.
“It is a sport that you can play, whether you’re seven or 97,” said Marla.
The junior curling program Marla initiated is still active and thriving, offering opportunities for children as young as seven to learn and enjoy the sport. Additionally, Marla introduced an adult learn-to-curl program, helping adults of all ages discover the joys of curling. The club offers leagues almost every night of the week, catering to different skill levels and age groups.
“I have had a few kids with ADHD and autism. And you know it helps them because they have to focus, and they do fantastic at curling,” said Marla.
Marla’s commitment to curling and her community has had a profound impact. Her contributions have helped build a vibrant and inclusive curling community in Chestermere. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, individuals like Marla Forth play a vital role in ensuring its enduring legacy. Curling remains not just a sport but a way of life for many, a sport with the power to unite and inspire.
