Curling Ontario Announces the Re-launch of Sticks and Stones Project and Partnership with SportsPay

Originally launched in 2021, Sticks and Stones is created to support under-served groups, including, but not limited to, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals from low-income backgrounds, New Canadians, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. By focusing on these populations, the project aims to provide access to curling while fostering diversity and inclusion within the sport.

The mission of Sticks and Stones is to support under-served groups who may not otherwise have access to curling. The vision is to assist Curling Ontario member clubs in growing the sport within their communities, allowing for a more diverse and inclusive participant experience. This approach anticipates that such efforts will lead to the growth of curling for the betterment of all in Ontario.

“We are proud to welcome SportsPay as a new partner of the Sticks and Stones Project,” said Matt Allen, Executive Director at Curling Ontario. “Their commitment to making a direct impact on communities, especially marginalized groups, aligns perfectly with our mission to promote and develop amateur sport in a way that benefits all athletes in Ontario.”

As part of the re-launch, Curling Ontario is pleased to introduce the Sticks and Stones Curling Club Bursary Program, which provides up to four bursaries of up to $1,500 each. These funds will support curling clubs in developing inclusive and accessible programming, helping to introduce the sport to new participants from underrepresented groups. Eligible expenses include instructor fees, ice rental, beginner or adaptive equipment, outreach materials, childcare or transportation support, and diversity training.

Applications for the bursary program are now open and will be accepted until January 19, 2026. Clubs interested in applying can visit our Sticks and Stones Project page for more information and to access the application package.

“At SportsPay, we are honoured to partner with Curling Ontario in relaunching the Sticks and Stones Project,” said Jamie Booth, Marketing Director at SportsPay. “We believe in the power of sport to change lives, and our goal is to make participation in curling accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.”

To help further these impactful initiatives, we invite community members to consider donating to the Sticks and Stones Project. Your contributions will directly support the development of inclusive curling programs across Ontario, and you will receive a tax receipt for your generosity.

For any inquiries regarding the program or partnership, please reach out to Matt Allen at matt@curlingontario.ca. 

Together, let’s celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and make curling a sport for everyone!

About the SportsPay Foundation

The SportsPay Foundation was established out of a passion for sport and a commitment to making it accessible to everyone. Originally developed as a tool for managing club payments, SportsPay has evolved into a movement that reinvests a portion of its profits back into local sports communities. By partnering with donors, schools, and organizations, SportsPay delivers targeted financial support where it can make the greatest impact. With a focus on transparency and trust, the foundation aims to ensure that every dollar contributes to enhancing grassroots sports participation, fostering an inclusive environment, and empowering athletes across Canada and the U.S.

About Curling Ontario

Curling Ontario, along with the Northern Ontario Curling Association (NOCA) and the Ontario Curling Council, collectively serves as the provincial governing body for the sport of curling in Ontario. Together, we aspire to set the standard of excellence for sport development and participation, and we are committed to inspiring and energizing Ontarians to engage in curling.

Media Contact:
Kerri Lott
Communications & Brand Coordinator
Curling Ontario
kerri@curlingontario.ca