Laventer and Zuma came to the U.S. in January as part of the Kenya Curling Federation to train at the Plainfield Curling Club. They explained that curling is relatively new in Kenya, with their federation starting about 2 years ago. The country only has one ice skating rink, which closed due to COVID-19 shortly after the federation was formed. The rink still remains closed, although they said, it should be reopening soon. The team, which has about 200 members, has never played on actual ice, instead playing on a wooden floor.

Determined to get on the ice, Laventer who is president of the Kenya Curling Federation, began reaching out to curling clubs around the world. Only Dean Roth from the Plainfield Curling Club responded. Laventer asked if she and Zuma cold come to them for one month to train and he agreed to host them. Their goal is to get to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, but first have to get to the Pan-Continental Curling Championships in November.

“This has not been an easy journey. We have learned so much in one month,” Laventer said. “I like challenges. We like to challenge ourselves.”

While in New Jersey, they were also looking for a place to work out and cross train. One of the Plainfield Curling Club members also works for the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA and helped to set them up as members during their stay. “Everyone here has become part of our family,” Laventer said. “The YMCA has been very supportive.”

Both Laventer and Zuma were professional athletes in Kenya before curling. Laventer was a rugby player who also brought the sport Kabaddi – a contact sport that originated in India – to her country. Zuma has played professional soccer and was captain of Kabaddi for the country. In addition, he’s a model who has his own clothing line. The two will be heading back to Kenya on February 20, but hope to be back soon with more of their team members. “In America, we got on the ice for the first time,” Laventer said. “We’ve come to really understand the sport and what it entails. Now, we’ll go back home and teach other athletes.”

To follow Laventer and Zuma’s journey, follow the Kenya Curling Federation on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.