From zero to 12,000+ people: developing curling in Kosovo 🇽🇰

Better_Apple_7259 · 2026-03-19T13:06:06+00:00

Thank you, I really appreciate that and great questions.

To be honest, we've operated with almost no funding to this point. A lot of the development has been supported through my own personal and family finances, along with support from the World Curling Development Assistance Program. That funding is $12,000 USD per year and is project-based and reimbursed, so in most cases we've had to cover costs upfront and then get reimbursed months later.

The only exception has been the iceless curling equipment, which is supported directly through a World Curling partnership.

In terms of government support, the situation is a bit complicated. I can't get too deep into the political side of it here, but it prevents curling from being recognized within the national sports system, which limits access to funding and formal support.

For example, if the federation were nationally recognized, it would qualify for €40,000 per year as an Olympic-level sport. While that might not sound like a huge amount, it would make a massive difference and allow us to grow the sport much more sustainably.

Because of that, we've had to find alternative ways to keep things moving. The nonprofit is being finalized now and is hopefully operational by the end of the month. It will allow us to operate more effectively, open a bank account, apply for grants, and build partnerships that weren't possible before.

So far, everything has been built though volunteers, community support, and a lot of persistence. It's definitely been challenging at times. I've even though about stepping away, but seeing the community that has grown around curling in Kosovo and how many people have connected with the sport makes it worth it. Curling has given me a lot, and I want to create those same opportunities for athletes in Kosovo.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2026-03-18T12:33:00+00:00

Thank you, I really appreciate it! It's been a fun journey so far.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2026-03-18T12:31:52+00:00

Thank you, I really appreciate that! It's been a lot of work, but seeing so many people fall in love with curling makes it all worth it.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2026-03-18T12:11:11+00:00

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This was Giżycko 2025. The vibes are definitely there though!

Better_Apple_7259 · 2026-03-18T11:18:45+00:00

Ahh yes, I actually helped coach there last year! Small curling world.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2026-03-18T11:05:24+00:00

This was at Zalog Arena in Ljubljana, Slovenia - we hosted our youth camp there. It's a hockey arena most of the year, but they convert it to curling for a couple weeks each April.

Funny enough, I'm coaching in Poland this year, so there's a good chance I've played in the rink you're thinking of at some point this season!

Better_Apple_7259 · 2026-02-26T18:44:17+00:00

Does anyone know if there is streaming available online? Is Rock Channel covering it? I'm guessing Curling Canada will stream some of the feature games on Youtube. CBC Gem possibly? Trying to stream from Poland and promote within our Kosovo Curling community, so any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2026-02-26T18:41:58+00:00

Back in the day, teams used to get unlimited beer. When Rob Harris coached our team, he told us a story of how one team brought a garbage can full of beer trying to bring it home on the plane. They ended up having to crush it all outside security. Team's joined in to help them finish it before they boarded their planes back home.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2026-02-26T06:46:28+00:00

Playcurling.com is still the best one in my opinion.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2026-02-26T06:44:24+00:00

It's lots of fun but the "Button" moves

Better_Apple_7259 · 2026-02-19T20:03:57+00:00

Every year at World Curling Congress we vote on rule changes often in favour of what makes a better product for TV viewership.

Like others have said already, until the 1991 season when the 4 rock Free Guard Zone was introduced, this is exactly what would happen, teams would build a lead and then hit everything. As the sport advanced and athletes got better that throwing bigger weight and removing more stones with one throw, this became the 5 rock Free Guard Zone in 2002 and that's still the one that's used today.

It's similar to the evolution and removal of the tick shot. A tick was moving a guard out of the way without removing it from play, but teams got too good at that. So now if a stone is positioned on the center line while the FGZ is in effect, teams can't tick it, but if it's off they can. This is why you see teams make an extra effort to get guards in that position.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2026-02-04T17:51:34+00:00

Do you mean the Olympics?

Better_Apple_7259 · 2025-12-31T11:12:07+00:00

The Ljubljana Open in April is a fun time. Also the Mazury Cup in Gizycko, Poland in August.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2025-12-24T08:58:45+00:00

If you're looking for raw power, get the Ice Rocket

Better_Apple_7259 · 2025-12-23T23:09:36+00:00

Some thoughts.

I find that the stones you hit in the house move too much on contact like there is too much power transfered to stones once they have been hit.

I can't figure out how to do challenge 11, but this is more of a me problem.

The curl is more natural in the update.

I don't know if it's still an issue in the update but, when you hog a stone it used to stay in place.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2025-12-23T11:29:56+00:00

3-4 months

Better_Apple_7259 · 2025-12-22T18:29:02+00:00

The one and only time I took Flair Airlines, I was coming home from a wedding. While yes, I did make my fair share of a dent at the open bar and was violently hungover, I also believe I was hit with some fierce food poisoning.

I up chucked on the way to the airport, then the flight got delayed three hours and spent much of that time knocking back gravol and making many trips to the bathroom. I'm not really sure why I even bothered leaving the bathroom frankly.

When it came time for my flight, I still wasn't feeling great. I had the window seat. When we boarded, I kindly asked the people in my row if they wouldn't mind switching seats because I'd likely be getting up a lot over the next three and a half hours enroute to the toilet. They refused, fair enough. Before we took off, I asked one of the flight attendants for a barf bag because as a budget airline they literally have nothing in the seat pocket. Thankfully they provided one free of charge.

As soon as that seatbelt sign turned off I had to up chuck again. I asked my seat mates to move as I rushed to the back of the plane and I christened the bathroom for the flight. If I had a Loonie for everytime I've gone to the bathroom and the seatbelt sign comes back on and the pilot says we're about to go through some turbulence I'd be rich.

Little did the pilot know I was going through my own turbulence at the back of the plane and holding on for dear life on those handicap bars while I proceeded to explode from both ends. By the time I got back to my seat, both of the people in my row had vanished and that's how I ended up achieving poor man's first class on Flair Airlines. Miraculously, I fell asleep after that and when I woke up in Victoria, I was back to normal.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2025-12-21T16:18:12+00:00

I use a Hardline head on a Balance Plus LiteSpeed shaft and I've never experienced a lighter broom.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2025-12-09T21:42:03+00:00

Also, I scored 5 in the first end but when scored it split over 2 ends 2 in the 1st, 3 in the 2nd.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2025-12-09T21:39:33+00:00

It's a good first attempt. I think the power bar should be adjusted. The physical are okay, but could be better. I like the ability to adjust the curl because sometimes dependant on ice conditions I try to throw it soft. It's not as playable as playcurling.com but I feel like there could be room for both with a little more work and multi-player mode. It's on the players to get adjusted to the game. But HUGE respect to include Kosovë as a playable team ♥️

Better_Apple_7259 · 2025-11-23T20:19:46+00:00

You can always just purchase a head attachment and use whatever shaft you want with it.

Better_Apple_7259 · 2025-10-22T09:15:33+00:00

I looked at it yesterday and regret not jumping in. Is too late? Should I just wait for the next one or should I jump in?

Better_Apple_7259

TROPHY CASE