The World Women’s Curling Championship in Saint John in shining a spotlight on the sport of curling. The event has also opened nearly 1,000 elementary students’ eyes to other countries and cultures.

Dozens of schools in southern New Brunswick have participated in the event. Each school has spent the past few months learning about the sport of curling, as well as learning about the 12 countries vying for the title.

“It’s been a wonderful, wonderful experience,” says curling school program director Doreen Tait. “Not only to learn about the country, the game, but sportsmanship and team play as well, and that’s one of the big things I’ve stressed is how curling really focuses on sportsmanship.”

The students were assigned a country for which to cheer. Some dressed for the part and others made signs, but they all showed their support for their adoptive country.

“We are cheering on Latvia and Canada both. I think they are doing a really good job,” says Grade 5 student Kyleigh MacDonald.

“We learned about Scotland,” says Grade 5 student Samantha Moffat. “I’m actually part Scotland too, so I’m happy to support them.”

As for the curlers, they are happy to have the support in the stands.

“It was nice to see a lot of kids out there,” says Emma Miskew of Team Canada. “I think it’s great to bring the kids out there, just because it’s good for schools to realize there are other sports and maybe some of them will try it.”

Schools will be heading to Harbour Station for the rest of the week to cheer on their teams.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Ashley Dunbar