Ray Olsen, a dedicated curling coach, played a key role in growing the Kamloops Curling Club's junior program into the world's largest. Alongside his wife Sharron, he led the initiative from 1990 to 1998, doubling participation and fostering a fun environment for young curlers. His contributions earned him multiple awards and a lasting legacy in the community.
Ray Olsen's involvement in curling began early in Terrace Bay, Ontario, where his father pushed him on a rock across the ice at age four to watch games, as television coverage was unavailable and children were barred from clubs. His mother once sneaked him into a men's bonspiel, sparking his lifelong passion. By Grade 8, Olsen served as president and drawmaster of his elementary school's junior curling program. He later led his high school team to victory at a local bonspiel in Terrace Bay and reached the men's provincials with another squad.
Challenges arose with his job at the McIntyre gold mine, limiting his play to less frequent sessions. In 1974, Olsen relocated to British Columbia, first to Kelowna and then to Kamloops for work at the pulp mill. His wife, Sharron, joined him from Ontario, and they settled in the area. Despite shift work, Olsen volunteered extensively at the McArthur Island club and the Kamloops Curling Club, serving as KCC president from 1982 to 1983 and securing the city as host for the 1986 Canadian Mixed Championships.
Recognizing a need, Olsen convinced Sharron to co-lead the junior program from 1990 to 1998. Under their guidance, participation more than doubled, reaching over 300 curlers per Saturday across five time slots with all sheets occupied. Events like the 1996 Brier and 1998 Worlds boosted interest, but their patience and emphasis on enjoyment sustained growth. Olsen also organized the annual jam can bonspiel, where hundreds of costumed kids competed in a festive weekend event.
Starting in 1988, Olsen coached meticulously, logging every shot in detailed records he still maintains. He guided his children, Grant and Lori, to numerous successes and even coached Sharron on a competitive senior ladies team. His efforts were honored with the John Matheson Memorial Award in 1989, Curl B.C.'s Youth Volunteer award in 2016, Coach of the Year in 2019, and induction into the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.
The club's current vitality owes much to the Olsens' tireless work. Olsen shared a lighthearted memory from a jam can event: a frustrated mother dragged her young son by the collar and belt, placing him atop a rock and shoving him down the ice to deliver it, prompting Olsen to intervene. His legacy continues through grandchildren Brody, 4, who throws rocks halfway down the sheet, and 1-year-old Riley, already familiar with the ice.
