I assume you've never actually tried it.
The Olympics actually want more winter sports. But they need to incorporate the elements of ice or snow.
Frankly a better, less manufactured event than say team ice skating...
I started in '02-'03 in Houston, took a six year break while I was at ND (at the time, the nearest clubs were in Chicago), took it back up when I moved back to Houston, and I'm now a member at Broomstones outside Boston.
As to why it's an Olympic sport... why not? It requires both skill and athleticism. The skills of the top-level curlers are insane... they can stick a draw on the button seemingly at will, and they can throw up-weight takeout shots that are within a quarter inch of their target from over 100 ft away. As for athleticism, sweeping is hard work, and the more strength and endurance you have, the better you are at it. (There are also benefits to throwing the rock from good strength and endurance.)
The correct term for a single curling playing surface is "sheet".
And I think they open their availability to the public frequently.
Curling is a lot of fun and a great Olympic discipline
They were all pure novices. They finished 9th out of 10 but had a great time. Almost all the rest of the team's were helpful and encouraging and they learned a lot and developed their skills. They are hoping to enter the spring league and get better.
I believe there was one curler in the league under 25 besides The four girls on her team.
We enjoyed watching and getting more familiar with the sport.
I searched for a photo of a curling lane at ND and found only the existence of a curling league. I guess I owe an apology to curling fans. Sorry for my misinformed rant.
This is a good story