From the technique of making ice to the biology of the human body, discover what it takes to be a professional curler at TechFest 2018 with Scottish International and former Olympic curler, Jackie Lockhart.
Presenting as part of the Public Programme, which is sponsored by Equinor and runs until September 22, silver medallist Jackie will share stories from beginning training at the age of five to taking part in competitions across the UK.
She will be joined by former Team GB curler and manager of Curl Aberdeen, Tom Brewster, who will provide technical insight into how the maintenance of ice can affect the outcome of a match in Skating on Thin Ice.
Supported by joint principal sponsors, BP and Shell, one of the aims of TechFest’s annual festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is to engage young people in the four STEM subjects and encourage them to pursue a career which utilises these skills by demonstrating that they are both fun and relevant in day to day life.
Skating on Thin Ice will explore how curling has changed over 40 years, from the ideal conditions of the ice and the equipment used to the benefit of using technology to strategise and train.
Jackie said: “Curling is very much a sport where you have to not only be proficient on the ice from a sporting perspective, but also be academically proficient in STEM subjects to understand all of the elements which surround the sport.
“These elements are often the margin which will put you on the podium. By understanding the biology of my body, I was able to train harder with fewer injuries and by understanding how the ice conditions can change, I was able to change my game plan quickly.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to view and touch items relating to the sport such as curling stones, curling shoes and brushes with original horsehair which now have synthetic pads.
Sarah Chew, managing director at TechFest, said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating the festival’s 25th anniversary by welcoming silver medallist Jackie Lockhart and Curl Aberdeen manager Tom Brewster to TechFest 2018.
“This presentation promises to offer an exciting insight into a sport which uses many aspects of STEM to determine the outcome of a match and we hope this will inspire young visitors to pursue their interests in these subjects.”
“TechFest gives people the opportunity for people to see the great outcomes of what is often initially thought to be hard work while at school,” added Jackie. “I’m looking forward to speaking with young minds from across Aberdeen to answer any questions they have about the importance of STEM in the real world and how it has benefitted my career.”
Other highlights at this year’s festival include professor Alex Johnstone, from the Rowett Institute, who will explore the latest research on healthy body weight and how the timing of eating and human physiology influence our weight in ‘You are when you eat – how time of eating influences body weight’.
Skating on Thin Ice will be held on Wednesday, September 19 at 6.45pm at Curl Aberdeen. Tickets are priced at £4 or £3 concession, available from Aberdeen Box Office.
