PALMERSTON – The Palmerston Curling Club hopes to host the 35th annual Ontario Elementary Curling Championship next April.
Club president Chrissie Schneider asked Minto council for exclusive access to the Palmerston Community Centre Complex to fulfill the tournament’s needs.
The competition is to be held from April 3 to 6 for kids in Grades 1 through 8.
The club is requesting access to the centre’s kitchen and change rooms during the event, along with access to the arena’s ice surface from March to prepare the playing surfaces.
“Our goal for this event is to inspire a lifelong love of the game through friendly competition,” Schneider told council.
Her hope is to transform the arena ice into a four-sheet curling venue, creating eight playing surfaces in total, with the club’s ice included.
The event will host up to 64 teams across Ontario, all playing together under one roof, added Schneider.
The teams are divided into pools and play in a round-robin format over three days, ending with the championship games on the final day.
The club has 25 volunteers, but is open to more to fulfill the event’s goals.
Schneider expects over 250 kids to attend.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships will be essential in helping to keep the cost affordable for those participating, Schneider told council.
The club’s sponsorship committee has created sponsorship packages to present to local businesses.
The package offers options for support, and ways to be recognized by advertising opportunities.
The curling club is seeking sponsorship from the town for the use of the arena and facilities.
Council expressed its support and excitement over the opportunity and voted to direct staff to return to council with a report on the request.
Staff anticipates having a report for council on July 9.
