Rallying Behind the &anada &up

With the 2012 Capital One Canada Cup of Curling just over six months away, the Host Committee for the event was thrilled to finally put on the first of a few volunteer rallies in order to prepare for the competition this November 28th to December 2nd. So far over 200 individuals have registered to lend a hand during the prestigious contest and nearly all of them were out at the Moose Jaw Ford Curling Center in Mosaic Place early last week where they were able to meet the executives, order their uniforms, have photo identification taken, and to pay any outstanding fees. Many already working closely on the event were extremely overjoyed to see the large turnout. “We couldn’t be happier,” said Alison Fisher, Vice Chair of Volunteers and Special Events for the Canada Cup. “The city of Moose Jaw has really come out, been supportive, and proven that they are entirely behind the event. So that’s been great to see and we’re pretty pumped!” The committee anticipates another 175 people will be needed in order to ensure everything runs smoothly so people interested in experiencing a one of a kind sporting event from behind the scenes are encouraged to register as soon as they can (information included in the last paragraph). So why bother to get involved? Well simply put the Canada Cup of Curling is going to be one of the largest sporting events to ever come to Moose Jaw. Since 2003, when legendary men’s curler Randy Ferbey and women’s curler Sherry Middaugh won the coveted cup in their respective categories, only four other cities have played host to the event and it is now our chance to shine on the national curling stage. “The event is going to bring people in from not only across the province but from all around the country,” Fisher explained. “Restaurants are going to be busy, hotels are going to be busy, and Moose Jaw is going to be positively buzzing so this is our chance to showcase our beautiful city so we’d really like to encourage people to come and participate, experience, and involve themselves in this.” Host Committee Chair Danielle Sicinski also feels this will be an extraordinary prospect for the city. “A lot of people might see this as being just another curling event but it’s really a lot more than that. It’s a community event,” said Sicinski. “This really is a great opportunity for us to bring Moose Jaw to the forefront and show the rest of Canada what Saskatchewan has to offer.” A number of positions are still open that need to be filled including ice preparation, driving and transportation, lounge hosts, security, and program sales, to name a few. Volunteers are required to work about 14 hours either prior to or during the event. No prior knowledge of curling is necessarily required for many of the volunteer opportunities. All that is really asked of those looking to get involved is that they are outgoing, have a good work ethic, and will act as a proud representative of Moose Jaw. “If you’re the type of person who just loves to volunteer, have a great time, and help out wherever you’re needed then that’s pretty much all we’re looking for but everybody involved will also be serving as ambassadors to the city,” said Sicinski. You can register as a volunteer for the Capital One Canada Cup of Curling online at www.curling.ca/ championships/canadacup/volunteer/ or call 306-6242096 for information on other volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions about the competition contact Rob Dewhirst, Event Manager for the Canada Cup, at rdewhirst@curling.ca. Ticket packages for the competition are also available for purchase online at www.curling.ca/tickets/.