Send this page to someone via email

WINNIPEG – Thoughts of Brazil usually bring up sand and warmth.

Not stones and ice.

But a handful of South Americans are hoping to change that this week in Manitoba.

“We’re paving the way for a new generation that will be able to play curling in Brazil,” said Sergio Vilela, the second of the country’s national curling team.

That’s right. Curling. In Brazil. A place where soccer is supreme and brooms are starting to boom.

“People really enjoy curling in Brazil now,” said lead Felepi Nunes. “People talk you up about curling.”

Brazil’s national team, which has only been around for six years, is in Winnipeg this week to play in the annual Manitoba Open Bonspiel.

Story continues below advertisement

“Manitoba is known as a curling place,” said skip Marcelo Mello. “This attracted us.”

A chance for the rink to peel any kinks before it challenges the USA for a spot in the world championship.

“It’ll be tough,” said Mello. “Realistically, we don’t have enough experience to win. We’ll try to give our best, do our best.”

Curling’s popularity swept Brazil during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. It was the first time ever the winter games were shown live in the South American country. The only problem – there are no clubs.

“There’s just some ice for skating,” said Mello. “But it’s very small. You can’t play curling because the ice is poor.”

Hence why Team Brazil is made up of expats living in chillier climates.

“I came (to Canada) to play soccer, now I play curling,” said Nunes. “People are like ‘you go to play soccer, now you play curling. What happened?'”

Beating the United States may be a long shot, but the Brazilians are already making history.

“We’re breaking ground, bringing sponsors and one day, we’ll have a tradition,” said Vilela.

One they hope it includes a chance to rock the rings at the Olympics.