- Feb 2007 - Jerry Flaman
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Being one fantastic participative sport that can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere and at just about anytime, curling was able to establish itself in almost every community no matter how small or isolated. Where the hockey rinks were the domain of the younger set, the curling rinks were more popular with older adults. Perhaps that was because, after the game, they were always able to repair to 'The Lounge'. In winter on the prairies Curling Rinks became the centre of social activity as everyone gravitated there to play the game, have a coffee while providing constructive critique about the on ice play, and just generally see what was going on while being seen in town. It was the place to be in winter after making sure the cows were content, the chickens had been fed and the pigs were slopped. One went to the 'Curling Rink' to get some exercise curling, socializing and discussing the latest government agricultural programme fiasco.
My, but how things have changed. Curling is a big sport and a big business now! At one time curling was a local community affair: however, modern marketing, promotion, sales and the business imperative have taken curling to an unprecedented level. We spoke a few months ago about the initiatives taken by the Canadian Curling Association (CCA) to teach, train and promote the sport while introducing it to a new generation.
The New Year signals the start of championships, bonspiels and briars. All the clubs are participating at the local level and the associations are doing their part to make sure the best compete against the best. Coming events include BC Men's Provincial Curling Championship in Langley on Feb 6th. Scotties Tournament of Hearts, February 17-25, in Lethbridge; Tim Horton's Brier, March 3-11 in Hamilton; World Juniors, March 3-11, Eveleth, Minnesota; Strauss Canada Cup, March 13-18, here in the valley at Kamloops with a curling coaching symposium inserted on 17th of March. The Canadian Seniors, involving 12 men's and 12 women's teams representing the 10 provinces, Northern Ontario, Northwest Territories and the Yukon on March 18-25, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec; while the World Seniors will go on March 22-30, in Edmonton followed by the Ford World Men's, March 31st to April 8th. A busy time you say!
Did I mention that big business is involved in big curling? That well-known sport personality who gave his name to one of the most successful business franchises in history (Tim Horton) is a major sponsor of sport in Canada and curling is no exception. The Tim Horton's Tankard Tour will be in Kamloops during the Canada Cup. The Tim Horton's Brier Tankard Tour is intended to demonstrate Tim Horton's commitment to sponsorship of sport at the community level and includes Bill Tschirhart the CCA national high performance coach; the Brier Tankard Trophy; a visit to an elementary school or junior clinic, an adult intermediate clinic, photo opportunities with the trophy and/or celebrities, formal session with introductions of special guests, championship teams and speeches, and presentation of a cheque to the team representing their share of the cresting money. You may want to be there.
For more information go to:
http://www.curling.ca/index.asp
