Let it snow, says SportsFest team
A snowy forecast for the weekend is just what Michelle Cuthbert is looking for as SportsFest activities that rely on the fluffy stuff get underway.
“We’re really looking forward to SportsFest this year,” said Cuthbert, Port Colborne’s corporate communications officer.
The 19th annual event begins today with the Mayor’s Cup Invitational Hockey Tournament and free activities for children aged nine to 14 years old at Vale Health and Wellness Centre, and music trivia night at Canalside Restaurant.
Port Colborne’s hockey team will take to the ice at 6 p. m. on Rink 1 inside Vale Centre today, and play at noon and 7 p. m. on Saturday.
“Everyone can come out and cheer the teams on in the tournament,” said Cuthbert, who will be lacing up her skates as she plays for the city.
She said the snowy forecast will be perfect for the outdoor activities such as the snow golf tournament at Whisky Run Golf Course and the sno- pitch tournament.
“I’m sure the organizers are excited,” she said.
The sno- pitch tournament is being put on by Welland and District Slo Pitch League and is being held as a memorial tournament for the Zuvic/ Burd family who lost their loves in a December 2016 house fire.
Proceeds from that tournament will go toward Port Colborne Fire and Emergency Services’ fire prevention program to help prevent a
similar tragedy from happening.
An outdoor ball hockey tournament will take place in Market Square on Saturday, across from city hall at 66 Charlotte St.
Cuthbert said if the outdoor activities are too chilly, there are activities taking place indoors, including activities for children at the YMCA, and the soup cookoff at Canalside on Sunday. There’s also an indoor volleyball tournament.
“The Canalside Soup Cook Off is for a good cause,” she said, adding proceeds from various events are donated to local charities, including Bless the City and Port Cares.
One of the highlights of SportsFest will see Canada’s National Sledge Hockey team take on Team USA in a game at 3: 30 p. m. Saturday in Rink 1 at Vale Centre.
The team has been practising all week at the centre in preparation for the game, and to select the 17 players that will represent Canada in the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.
Admission to the game is free and everyone is encouraged to come out, watch and cheer on Team Canada, said Cuthbert.
For more information about each event, and to view the Mayor’s Cup Invitational Hockey Tournament schedule, visit www.portcolborne.ca/page/Sportsfest.