Canada’s national sports: Hockey, Lacrosse, Ice fishing, Maple Syrup drinking contests and Curling.  While it has only been an official Olympic event since 1998, Canadians are easily the team to beat every 4 years.  Most recently the team of Mike Adam, Brad Gushue, Russ Howard, Jamie Korab and Mark Nichols took home the gold in Turin last winter Olympics.  In 2010, many nations will be gunning to dethrone those reigning Olympic champions.  That is why we as Canadians should be supporting the sport at both the competitive and grassroots level.   The Canadian Curling Association aims at bringing awareness of the sport to Canadians as well aiding in the development of the necessary skills to become a successful curler.  On July 17th the CCA will be sponsoring Rockin’ the Gold, an event that will help promote the game of curling with all proceeds going to help fund curling at grassroots levels and our Olympic representatives. 

“We want to get the word out on curling and highlight the social nature of the sport”, said Josh McIntyre the event manager.  “Curling is about community and is a game that can be played by all Canadians.”  16 teams of four will compete on Friday July 17th at the High Park Curling Club in a friendly curling bonspiel.  But this isn’t ordinary curling, as Rock Solid Productions will be bringing their special hardwood curling equipment to play in the dining room!  Zenya Mokriy, one of the marketing managers for the event was especially thrilled with the twist.  “There’s no ice meaning you have zero chance of slipping and embarrassing yourself.  Anyone can play and win at this event.” 

This type of curling can be done just about anywhere

The cost of the bonspiel is $80 per team of 4 and with the price of admission comes a free drink, free pizza, door prize raffle ticket, photo of you and your team, minimum 3 games and a lovely gift bag.  Not to mention, attendees can also take home some impressive prizes in the raffle draw including lessons from a personal golf instructor and an NHL prize pack.  Lisa Sweiger, Director of Sponsorship for the event was thrilled at the amount of partners willing to support the cause.  “I’m very excited to have some well known businesses lend a hand to make this a successful and memorable event.”  Sponsors of the event include Wellington Breweries and Colio wines as the official beverage sponsors, and Boston Pizza as the food sponsor.  Other companies partnering with the event are Vitamin Water, NHL and the Islington Golf club. 

Spots are filling up fast.  There are a few team slots available but also tickets can be purchased for just $10 to come to the event as an observer.  So GO out and support our Canadian curlers.  Who knows, after the event you might just be looking at starting a new career.    

Contact Josh McIntyre jmac_85@hotmail.com for ticket information.  Generation GO will be there to take part in the event, so readers get a team together.