ACOA FUNDING FOR SCOTTIES
Curling Canada receives $150,000 to host 2019 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Sydney.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is providing $150,000 to help Sydney in its inaugural hosting of a prestigious Canadian women’s curling competition.
The announcement was made Friday by Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking on behalf of Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
The non-repayable contribution will help with the organization of the 2019 Scotties Tournament of Hearts women’s championship to be held at Centre 200, Feb. 1624.
The last time the tournament was held in Nova Scotia was in Halifax in 1992.
“It’s not just the curling,” said Rachel Baker, president of the Sydney Curling Club. “It’s going to bring people from across Canada and probably from the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.
“We’ve seen growth in our membership over the last number of years, so it’s a growing community — it’s a really warm and welcoming community.
According to the federal
agency, tourism is an important contributor to Canada’s economy, with events taking place outside peak season having a significant economic impact related to transportation, accommodation, food and beverage.
The event is hosted by Curling Canada in partnership with Cape Breton Regional Municipality and the local curling community.
Over the course of the nineday event, 16 teams will be vying for the national title and the opportunity to represent Canada on the world stage.
Scotties Tournament of Hearts is regarded as one of the key annual women’s curling events, attracting large audiences both at host venues and on television.
CBRM council passed a motion to contribute $150,000 to bring the tournament to the community last year. Its economic impact is estimated at anywhere between $6million and $12 million.
The tournament is now seeking just under 400 volunteers, with about 150 people having already signed up. The fee to volunteer is $100 which includes access to the venue and a uniform.
Theresa Johnstone of Howie Centre said she decided to sign up because she started playing the sport at the local level about three years ago.
“I want to be a part of it,” said Johnstone. “Just meeting people from all over the place and watching the skill. I’m not very good myself but I like to watch them make those shots, it’s really awesome.”
Another volunteer is Gerald Forbes, who worked in Alberta for 15 years after the closure of the coal mines.
Forbes was first introduced to curling while performing with the Men of the Deeps choir during a Curl for Cancer event.
“When I heard this was here I had to sign up,” said Forbes,
who now lives in New Waterford.
“It’s actually the only sport I follow. If curling is on, I’m watching it. It’s like betting on what shot they’re going to make. I like to see their scoring. It’s a strategy game.”
Forbes said he wasn’t deterred by the volunteer fee as he felt the perks were worth it.
It was second time the charm for Cape Breton in its bid to host the national women’s curling championship.
After an unsuccessful attempt to bring the 2018 tournament to the island, organizers ramped up their proposal, which included about 900 ticket down payments.