National Wheelchair Curling Championships return to Moose Jaw
The National Wheelchair Curling Championships have taken over the Moose Jaw Events Centre for the second year in a row.
“I think it was more of an idea that having a stable host city bodes well for the program and Curling Canada really loves Moose Jaw and the Moose Jaw Events Centre. The curling club is second to none. It’s probably one of the most accessible venues in the country,” Moose Gibson, chair of the host committee and second on Team Saskatchewan 1 said.
“I like having my friends and family be able to come out because I can look up in the crowd and wave at them and they’re all waving back,” Team Saskatchewan third and vice-skip, Marie Wright shared.
Gibson and Wright were on last year’s team that took home gold in front of the home crowd.
“I think as the week goes on, and the standings get tighter, I think we’ll notice the pressure a little bit more [to win again],” Wright said.
Wright added the event is already garnering more attention than last year and that includes extra media coverage.
“It puts it out there for others to see that Wheelchair Curling is a sport and maybe we’ll get some people to come out and try it,” she said.
Saskatchewan has two teams competing as they earned an extra being the host and having won last year. Team Saskatchewan 2 has new faces in the sport and that includes second, Mark Kennedy, who only took up the sport in October.
“It’s a little intimidating for sure. But we’re just going to play to the best of our abilities and hopfully we can win a gam here. [I got involved in the sport because of] the technical aspect, the camaraderie, the teammates, and everyone is really friendly. It’s really fun,” Kennedy said.
There are 11 teams from across the country competing this year: B.C., Alberta 1, Alberta 2, Saskatchewan 1, Saskatchewan 2, Manitoba, Ontario 1, Ontario 2, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
“It’s pretty cool to see everybody from around the country and to compete at a high level. It’s really nice to see how friendly everybody is and the amount of spectators that have watched [already] is great,” Kennedy said.
“I think it’s great that they get to come to Moose Jaw and experience curling hospitality and get curl in this fantastic facility,” Gibson added.
The event runs all week with the semi-final and final taking place on Saturday.
More information about the championships and draw times can be found here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Key mediator Qatar urges Israel and Hamas to do more to reach a cease-fire deal
A senior Qatari official has urged Israel and Hamas to show "more commitment and more seriousness" in ceasefire negotiations in interviews with Israeli media, as pressure builds to reach a deal that would free some Israeli hostages and bring a ceasefire in the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza.
BREAKING Quebec to invest $603 million to protect the French language
Quebec will invest $603 million over five years to counter the decline of French in the province, French Language Minister Jean-Francois Roberge announced Sunday.
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.