GUELPH CURLING CLUB
*************************
On January 20 and 21, the Guelph Curling Club was proud to host one of the world’s oldest continuously played annual Masters Bonspiel. The Tarlton-Robertson Memorial Bonspiel has been running for 87 years and consists of 32 teams of Masters curlers. To qualify, a team must have a combined age of at least 240 years and the minimum age of any single member of a team is 55 years of age.
First Event winners this year were the Derrick Hodgson rink from Guelph, who won the Robertson Trophy, while the Bob Turcotte rink from Oshawa won the Tarlton trophy.
This year, a portion of the event proceeds are being donated to the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington's Free to Grow program, which helps children from low-income households take part in recreational and life-skill development activities.
“As senior curling athletes, we wanted to give back to our community and it made sense for us to support the children in our community who are in circumstances where they need financial support to enjoy sports and other activities,” said Ross Bairstow, chair of the event and member of Guelph Curling Club.
Bairstow went on to say, “We as a Club are proud to be part of this community. We hope we have started something that will grow and prosper in the future so we can continue to support those in need.”
Karyn Kirkwood, program director at the Children’s Foundation, was on hand to accept the donation of $500 from Bairstow.
“We are so grateful to the Guelph Curling Club and the Bonspiel committee for recognizing the need that exists in our community, and for this donation that will give more youth the opportunity to be active in sports and other recreational activities,” said Kirkwood. “What we see with the senior curlers and this Bonspiel is exactly what we want children to have the chance to experience; physical activity, teamwork, social engagement, fun and friendship. It’s such a fantastic fit and we look forward to working together to see how this support can grow in the years to come.”
About the Guelph Curling Club
Established in 1838, the Guelph Curling Club is Ontario’s second oldest curling club. A member-owned club, it features eight curling sheets open from October to mid-April for curling, as well as a large lounge facilities open year round for lounge rentals.
*************************
