UNITY - With the 2020 season being forced to shut down early and this fall that included a spike in COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan, area curling clubs have been preparing to adapt to whatever situation they are presented with for the start of curling season this year.
As per the Saskatchewan government’s announcement, Sept. 17, anyone at an indoor facility must be masked. CurlSask also put out an earlier release stating their policies on vaccines that can be viewed on their website.
In Kerrobert, there were no renovations undertaken this summer.
John and Darlene Gillies, who have worked as ice technicians for the last several years, have indicated that they will return this year. The Kerrobert curling ice does not get installed until into November, so the club has not yet had a meeting but will be doing so soon dependant on COVID-19 cases and harvest completion.
In Unity, the club says, “We strongly encourage all participants get fully vaccinated for the safety of themselves and others. As per CurlSask direction, mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations [are required] if you are participating in any CurlSask sanctioned activities or events (competitions, camps, clinics or meetings). All CurlSask coaches, instructors and consultants are required to be fully vaccinated and wear masks when working with youth.”
Brad Sloboda will serve as the ice tech at the Unity Curling Club this season. Sharon Reiter will return as lounge manager with the help of Vanessa Halter. Brenda Pool will once again co-ordinate junior curling.
The executive passed a motion to cut the registration fees by 50 per cent across the board for the league curlers due to early closure last season. Junior "Learn to Curl" will have no fees charged this season. Curlers will still purchase and sell a book of tickets.
The addition to the curling club includes new dressing rooms for women and men and extra storage.
UCC president, Glen Heitt, says, “We would like to thank all the sponsors last season for their support of our club and their ongoing support for this season. Thanks also to all the curlers who paid their registration fees [for the] 2020-21 season. We really hope to see everyone back again this season. Your dedication to the club is greatly appreciated. We are planning to start our season on Oct. 25 week. Our club is also planning a grand opening at a future date to recognize the sponsors of our dressing room project."
This year’s Unity Curling Club Committee includes: Glen Heitt (president), Ross Neumeier (vice-president), Cherie Anderson (secretary), Sharon Reiter (treasurer) and d irectors: Ken Leslie, Martin Berg, Daryl Eddingfield and Scott Anderson.
In Wilkie, their curling club says, “The Wilkie Curling Club is excited to get curling started this year. After taking a year off we hope that everyone is going to come out and enjoy a great year of curling. Myron Schell is going to be our ice technician again this year. Our executive consists of Joel Mann (president), Jen Goodall (vice-president), Carla Hoffman (treasurer) and Joanne Sutherland (secretary). “
Wilkie curling club will have both a Tuesday and Thursday mixed curling league. The novice program, which includes Grades 3 to 6, is expected to start after Christmas. As well, the club hopes to have a number of senior and junior high school teams as part of this season.
Due to new provincial COVID-19 protocols in place, the Wilkie Curling Club has decided to require all curling participants to be fully vaccinated.
The club’s annual fundraiser of a cash lottery will be starting soon, which helps with the club’s annual lease and capital purchases.
"Come out and participate in one of our curling leagues. We aim to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for all to enjoy.," says the WCC executive.
You can find updates from your community’s curling clubs on their respective Facebook pages.
