In October of 2021, some exciting news surrounded the eastern Iowa curling community. The 2022 Men’s and Women’s U.S. National Curling Championships were set to be held in Cedar Rapids during the first week of January 2022. This event was rescheduled from last year after beingcanceledduetoCOVID-19 cases rising in Cedar Rapids. Cedar Rapids Curling Club is a local group that practices and competes in curling leagues and competitions across the state. Club President Phil Burian spoke to KCRG back in October about the impacts this event would have on curling in eastern Iowa. “We are thrilled to host this event in Iowa,” Burian said. “It will be a great way to help curling grow in the Eastern Iowa corridor as well as build excitement for the sport in the weeks leading up to the Beijing Olympics. We look forward to seeing the competitors, coaches, officials, volunteers, and fans at ImOn Ice Arena.” However, the event was canceled for the second year in a row due to COVID-19 concerns. USA Curling has not decided to reschedule the National Championships as the Beijing Olympics are soon approaching but they have yet to cancel any other 2022 events. USA Curling CEO Jeff Plush spoke with the Cedar Rapids Gazette on the reasoning behind the cancellation. “The overall health and safety of our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and partners associated with putting on our National Championships is our highest priority. Based on consultation with our medical team, this is the right decision, as it’s paramount to protect our athletes, minimize risk, and ultimately side with caution,” Plush said. Cedar Rapids Curling Club had planned on holding multiple public events during the championships. However, with the cancellation, the club was also forced to cancel their events. The events planned on teaching the fundamentals and basics of curling to anyone attending the championships and the club’s goal was to build the popularity of curling in eastern Iowa and generate excitement for the Beijing Olympics. Even though these events were canceled, Cedar Rapids Curling hosts “Learn to Curl” events that allow beginners to try curling forthefirsttime.Theclubhosts its next instructional event on Tuesday, February 15 at 7:00 P.M. at the ImOn Ice arena.