Gananoque Curling Club prepares to host OCA intermediate finals

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Lorraine Payette

Click to Enlarge
All four lanes were fully in use during the spirited competition between Gananoque and Smiths Falls held at the Gananoque Curling Club on Jan. 26.

Lorraine Payette, St. Lawrence EMC

All four lanes were fully in use during the spirited competition between Gananoque and Smiths Falls held at the Gananoque Curling Club on Jan. 26.

Click to Enlarge
Giving everything they've got to get the point, curlers from Smiths Falls move in for the kill during the spirited competition between Gananoque and Smiths Falls held at the Gananoque Curling Club on Jan. 26. The Senior Friendly Bonspiels bring several communities together in good sportsmanship and camaraderie during the winter months.

Lorraine Payette, St. Lawrence EMC

Giving everything they've got to get the point, curlers from Smiths Falls move in for the kill during the spirited competition between Gananoque and Smiths Falls held at the Gananoque Curling Club on Jan. 26. The Senior Friendly Bonspiels bring several communities together in good sportsmanship and camaraderie during the winter months.

EMC Events - The 2012 winter season is in full swing down at the Gananoque Curling Club. Starting with the Annual Ladies Chocoholic Spiel, which ran on Jan. 21, it promises to be an active year with lots going down on the ice.

"We try to get everyone out on the ice," says Jayne Curtis of GCC. "Today we're doing the Senior Friendly Bonspiel. We invite the clubs from Prescott, Brockville and Smiths Falls. They send a group here, and then we go back and play at their clubs. It gives us a way to support our local communities, help with the economy, and build camaraderie in the region."

Every year they also try to bring in an Ontario Curling Association (OCA) provincial level competition. This gives everyone a chance to see top level curling, and it's always great when some of the local curlers can play at that level on their home ice.

"This year the Gananoque Curling Club is hosting the Ontario Curling Association's Intermediate Ladies and Men's Ontario finals," says Curtis. "Eight ladies' and eight men's teams from Windsor through Cornwall, north through Ottawa and Owen Sound are competing in a round robin playdown from Wednesday, March 7 to Sunday, March 11. What makes this unique for Gananoque is that 35 years ago (1977) Ralph Fair, Wally Niles, Ted Butler and Derrick Turner won this curling event in Barrie, Ontario. Their team finished the rough robin tied for first and won in the playoff game."

At the playdowns the club is planning to officially recognize the team and display some interesting memorabilia from the earlier curling years (i.e. the 1950s through the 1990s). This special presentation is to be held upstairs in the south wing room following the on-ice opening ceremonies for the finals, a major event in Ontario curling.

"If you haven't been in the club for many years there have been major changes in this facility," says Curtis. "Any curling items you would like to have displayed, please contact me or any member of the board. We will be making further information will be available as the event and presentation draws closer."

PROUD HERITAGE

The OCA has a proud heritage in Canada. Started in the Toronto area in 1875, it is probably the oldest curling association in Canada. Curling was very popular in Ontario, and the sport moved out through the country along the railway lines.

Curling is still extremely popular in Ontario, and in Gananoque, they take pride in their ability to have great bonspiels on top quality ice all season long. Not only is it a good way for local enthusiasts to enjoy their game, but it helps to build communities economically by bringing in outside athletes and competitors.

Unlike hockey teams, curlers tend to stay in local hotels for entire weekends, eating at local restaurants, shopping in local stores and enjoying local entertainment. Many have their own following of spectators, and their fans travel with them from out of town just to see the games. The ripple effect on local business can be very encouraging, especially in the winter months.

This season's roster is full of great sport. It includes:

- Saturday Jan. 21 - Annual Ladies Chocoholic Spiel which ran from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.,

- Thursday Jan. 26 - Senior Friendly - 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

- Monday Jan. 30 - Senior Round Robin - 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

- Sunday Feb. 5 - Service Club Spiel - 10 - 2 p.m.

- Saturday Feb. 11 - Investors Spiel - 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

- Saturday Feb. 25 - Peace Officiers Spiel - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

- Tuesday March 6 - Super Seniors Spiel - 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

- Wednesday March 7 through to Sunday March 11 - Ontario Curling Association

Intermediate Provincial finals

- Saturday March 24 - Men's Industrial Closing Spiel - 10 a.m . - 6 p.m.

- Sunday March 25 - Lions Club Spiel - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

- Wednesday April 4 - Championship Night 5 - 10 p.m.

- Friday April 13 - Closing Swing and Sweep - 5 - 10 p.m.

- Saturday April 14 - Closing Swing and Sweep 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Golf Course: Everyone golfs at 3 p.m.

"We're always happy to see new players," says Curtis. "This is a game you play for life. Children can start as soon as they can throw a rock, and you can keep playing as long as you can get out on the ice. Equipment is available to keep curlers throwing well into their nineties and beyond. And if you've lapsed and want to start again, we're happy to have you back."

For more on curling in Gananoque, please contact the Gananoque Curling Club at info@gananoquecurlingclub.com or by phone at 613-382-3281.