On Oct. 3 the Elora Curling Club welcomed four Canadian and world curling champions to the club as a special kick-off for its 175th anniversary.
Glenn Howard, Craig Savill, Brent Laing and Jennifer Jones graced the club with a meet and greet and dinner to help celebrate the momentous occasion of the curling club’s 175th anniversary year (2014).
The champions arrived at the club to a greeting from some of the club’s junior and bantam members.
The juniors, ranging from eight to 15 years of age, had the distinct opportunity to ask the champions questions, get autographs and bask in the stardom of the world renowned curlers.
Officials say many wide eyes were watching every move of the champions and smiles were plentiful.
Riana Klein, one of the junior curlers, was seen hugging each champion and when asked about her thoughts, responded with “they are like the Wayne Gretzky of curling.”
Following the time with the juniors, over 70 people spent social time with the champions.
During the meet and greet, curlers and non-curlers alike spoke to the champions in an open format.
Howard, has not only secured the titles of four Briers and four world championships in his career, he has also won 15 Ontario provincial championships, including a record eight straight since 2006.
Through 2012, he has played in 182 games at the Brier, more than any other curler in history.
Jones’ 10 appearances at Scotties, plus two world cup appearances, were preceded by national junior championships.
The reception was catered by the Centre Wellington District High School’s (CWDHS) Food School, led by Chef Chris Jess, who served a three-course gourmet meal, coupling locally-sourced, natural and organically produced ingredients prepared with creativity by the students of the CWDHS hospitality and tourism program.
With an extensive and anecdotal question and answer period, the champions provided a wealth of entertaining tales to tell of their own curling and life experiences, their journeys to championships, the influence of the sport on their lives and future goals.
With the 2014 Sochi, Russia Olympic trials coming up in November, the champs spoke of the dedication to the sport and their optimism towards success for the 22nd Winter Olympics. Jones, when asked about the dedication of the sport and her standings in it, said, “You can’t be scared to miss. This is my roller coaster.”
Speaking of the true spirit of the game, Howard’s insight into his team was “each opportunity we get, we give 800 per cent.”
The Elora Curling Club is celebrating its 175th Anniversary year in 2014.
The club was established in 1839 and has operated every year since, making it one of the oldest, continuously operating curling clubs in Ontario.
The Elora Curling Club has been an active community partner for many years by hosting school curling throughout Centre Wellington, and by making the facility available to community organizations.
In addition to continuing the community involvement by having a float in the Elora Santa Claus Parade this year, the Elora Curling Club will be hosting a 175th Birthday Bash spiel and party on Feb. 22. This is sure to be a fun-filled event. More details to follow.
Additionally, as part of the anniversary festivities, the Elora Curling Club is honoured to host the Provincial Intermediate Mens and Ladies Curling Playdowns in early March 2014. The event in will attract the best 16 curling teams from across the province for the intermediate provincial title.
Plans are well on their way for this four-day event running from March 5 to 8.
Stay tuned for more details on how to become a part of the 175th anniversary excitement.
For more information, visit the club’s website at www.eloracurling.com
