A petition to get the Canadian Government to recognise curling as a national sport has been launched ©Curling Canada

A petition urging the Canadian Government to make curling a national sport has been signed by more than 2,500 people since it was launched earlier this month.

The first person to sign it was Brad Jacobs, the skip for Canada's team that won the Olympic gold medal at Sochi 2014.

The numbers signing the e-petition has already surpassed its initial aim of getting 500 signatures, enough to receive a Parliamentary response.

It is sponsored by Liberal Member of Parliament Terry Sheehan, who represents Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario. 

The petition claims "curling has been played in Canada for over 200 years and the Montreal Curling Club, founded on January 22, 1807 remains the oldest established sports club in all of North America".

Olympic gold medallist Brad Jacobs was the first person to sign the e-petition calling upon the Canadian Government to make curling a national sport alongside ice hockey and lacrosse ©Getty Images
Olympic gold medallist Brad Jacobs was the first person to sign the e-petition calling upon the Canadian Government to make curling a national sport alongside ice hockey and lacrosse ©Getty Images

It also says "curling has been a Canadian staple since confederation and has grown alongside Canada, and curlers today continue to inspire future generations of Canadians in pursing greatness both on and off the ice".

Under an act passed in 1994, Canada's recognised national sports are ice hockey and lacrosse. 

Scott Morphet, who works in Sheehan's office, claimed the target for the petition is 5,000.

“It's gone out on social media. Curling Canada has it out there and of course Brad Jacobs and Team Jennifer Jones so it's been a good couple of weeks,” Morphet told Canadian newspaper Sault Star. 

The petition is due to remain on-line until November 3. 

It can be viewed by clicking here.