Local athletes in Minnesota are campaigning for a curling-themed license plate to support the sport's clubs. The effort, led by curler Troy Pullis, has gained backing from state lawmakers. Proceeds from the plates would fund grants to maintain curling facilities across the state.
In Minnesota, known as the State of Hockey, curlers are seeking recognition through a proposed specialized license plate. Troy Pullis, a local curler, is spearheading the initiative, arguing that the timing is ideal following recent Olympic success by Minnesotan athletes.
"All these Minnesotan curlers that just came out of the Olympics," Pullis said. "It just seems like the time is right. We’ve got state parks, we’ve got sports teams, we’ve got universities. Curling needs a plate."
The plates aim to generate revenue beyond promotion. Pullis plans to establish a grant program using annual fees to aid the state's approximately 35 curling clubs, many of which face challenges with aging ice plants. "Clubs run into problems with their ice plants," he explained. "These smaller clubs, if they can’t raise the funds to get that ice plant either replaced or repaired, there’s chances that these clubs have to close."
To advance the proposal, Pullis designed the plate and presented it to state lawmakers, securing support in both the House and Senate. Senator Jennifer McEwen from Duluth, home to Team USA's silver medal mixed doubles curling team, is sponsoring the bill for the first time. "This is the first time that I have ever sponsored a specialty plate bill," McEwen said. "Tremendous point of pride. It's a nice way to raise a nice amount of revenue for something that you really care about."
Pullis's enthusiasm is backed by a survey of over 200 respondents, with 90% indicating they would purchase the plate. "We’re going to show Minnesota that curlers love their sport," he added. The bill requires inclusion in the state's transportation omnibus package to become law.
