At the Moberly Correctional Center in Missouri, floor curling stones can be seen sliding down the floor as cheers or groans are heard, depending on where the shot has landed. A floor curling tournament is underway, bringing together residents and staff as part of the Missouri Prison Transformation Project (MPIP), with floor curling equipment provided by Rock Solid Productions for research purposes.
This five-year research project is led by the University of Missouri’s School of Social Work. The project is focused on improving the quality of life and well-being of individuals living and working in Missouri prisons through holistic approaches. One pillar is community connection, which is where floor curling comes into play.
An 18-team mixed curling tournament was held at Moberly Correctional Center in February 2026, bringing residents and staff together for an opportunity to compete, socialize and build connections. The impact of the tournament went beyond the competition. Participants described an environment where everyone could come together, have fun and interact in a way that was different from their usual roles within the facility.
One individual reflected that seeing staff and residents participate alongside one another helped to break down the “us vs. them” mentality in the wing. For some, the experience offered something meaningful, and a few of the staff described the tournament as being a lot of fun and even a little competitive.
Reflecting on the atmosphere during the event, one resident emphasized how it brought the wing together: “The curling tournament helped the environment in the wing. It allowed everyone to come together and have fun… We ALL had smiles. It was truly a good time.” A staff member echoed this sentiment, noting that the shared activity temporarily set aside daily roles: “The curling tournament was a lot of fun. It brought the inmates and staff together for a short time… There was no hostility in the wing, and that was a good feeling.”
This sense of shared community was shared by C. Henke, a Case Management Coordinator (CCMII) at the facility, who likened the event to a “Block Party: Sober Style.” Henke highlighted how the tournament encouraged interaction beyond typical supervision roles, giving staff and residents a chance to connect while enjoying light fitness and friendly competition. Henke added that the donated equipment continues to see regular use, particularly during colder months when outdoor activities are limited.
The most powerful takeaway from the tournament was the shared sense of humanity and connection. As roles within the facility faded into the background, participants focused on enjoying the experience together. Resident A. Green captured this shift, sharing how seeing curling in the Olympics made participating firsthand inside the facility even more meaningful: “I enjoyed the curling tournament very much… It’s great that [Rock Solid Productions] was able to make it possible for us to get together and enjoy this activity. I feel that it helped people come together to not just look at it as offender and staff. We all are human.”
The experience at Moberly Correctional Center demonstrated how a single tournament creates additional opportunities for positive interaction and engagement. By bringing staff and residents together over a game of floor curling, the initiative helped bridge divides, foster genuine human connection, and show how thoughtful community-building can transform the overall culture within correctional facilities.
