Twelve teams from throughout the province competed to hold the title of B.C.'s best and represent the province at the Canadian Stick Curling event in Grande Prairie, Alta in April. The B.C. Stick Curling Championship took place at the Barriere Curling Club (BCC) arena February 6 through 8.
Teams from Armstrong, Abbotsford, Summerland, Penticton, Kelowna, Prince George, Chilliwack and Kamloops took part in the games over the weekend enjoying the competition, social events and great food provided by BCC volunteers.
“The draws were competitive and close with only a few lopsided games," said Bernice Randrup, director with the BCC. "The opening ceremony was MC'd by local Harley Wright. Our local bagpiper Bruce Chalmers piped the flag bearers Eva-Mae Ekins, Kate-Ann Ekins, Ceasar Banegas-Joseph and Lee Fraser in with the visiting teams following. Barriere's own Aiden Quigley gave an enthusiastic rendition of 'O Canada' with everyone joining in."
Randrup said the were fortunate to have local dignitaries including Barriere councillor Judy Armstrong, Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer, TNRD director Jill Hayward, Curl BC liaison, Pauline Piller, Curl BC umpires, Luci Tremblay and Ted Anderson and BCC president Jeannie Webber who opened the event with brief greetings and good luck wishes for the participants.
The event officially opened with BCC president Jeannie Webber throwing the first stone followed by a complimentary luncheon hosted by BCC members and a ‘meet and greet’ to start the event.
Randrup said there were 10 games scheduled over the "exciting" stick curling weekend culminating in the women's semifinals between the Kamloops team of Linda DeBelser and Cathy Ausmus and Kelowna's Margaret Campbell and Tammy Hughes.
The open semifinals between Armstrong's Bill Fowler and Wayne Heinrichs and the Kamloops team, Boone's Raiders which included Jay Barlow and Stan Boone brought the event to a close with only the finals to play.
The final four teams, three from Armstrong and one from Kelowna were evenly matched and “ready for the task of stiff competition” said director Randrup.
“The teams did not let the spectators down as it was head-to-head every end and down to the last rock. The victorious teams of Louise Burton/Kathy Saul-Fowler with Bill Fowler/Wayne Heinrichs fought hard for their distinction. In every Curl BC event, the players chose the players who best demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship. Gail Ostaficiuk from Penticton and Kathy Saul-Fowler received these honours and awards. Pauling Piller, Curl BC liaison conducted the Awards presentation to the Gold, Silver and Bronze teams. A thank you gift was presented to Luci Tremblay and Ted Andersen was given a gift of appreciation by Jeannie Webber, BCC president,” said Randrup.
The BCC was praised by participants for the club’s hospitality, complimentary luncheon and a Friday supper of a special Greek-themed dinner.
“It really was a wonderfully successful event, and everyone enjoyed the socializing and some fun side events so no one left a loser,” said director Randrup, adding, “the Barriere Curling Club wishes to thank everyone for the support and sponsorship provided to make this event a success.”
If you are interested in joining the Barriere Curling Club are learning more about curling please contact them at:
Barrierecurlingclub@gmail.com
