With only one official rink, Brazil is still crawling in curling
Brazil has limited participation in curling, with only one official rink and a growing interest in the sport due to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics.
Curling, a sport that resembles a mix of bocce and a team effort on ice, is starting to gain traction among Brazilian spectators as they look forward to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. However, the sport remains relatively niche within Brazil, primarily due to the lack of facilities, as the country has only one official curling rink located in São Paulo. This scarcity makes it challenging for aspiring curlers to practice and compete at higher levels.
Historically, curling has roots dating back to the mid-16th century in Scotland, where it was played on frozen ponds. Its Olympic history began with its debut in the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France, and it entered the Olympic program permanently in 1998 during the Games in Nagano, Japan. Its upcoming appearance in Milan-Cortina marks its ninth time in the Olympic arena, and there is a palpable excitement around the event that could propel interest in the sport even further in Brazil.
The development and future of curling in Brazil depend significantly on the country's ability to foster local interest and support for the sport. With the Olympic spotlight shining on it, there is a unique opportunity for curling to grow its fan base and participation. The challenge remains in building more facilities and encouraging participation at the grassroots level, which is essential for the long-term success of curling in Brazil.