The Kraft Celebration Tour could be visiting the Comox Valley this summer.
The Comox Valley Curling Club recently submitted a nomination that could see them awarded $25,000 for equipment upgrades to improve ice surface conditions. "It would be a day of celebration and fun for the entire Comox Valley, and will include a live TSN broadcast of Sports Centre," a CVCC spokesperson noted.
On Sunday, July 1 at 2:30 p.m. the top 20 nominations will be announced. Beginning July 9 it is head-to-head competition between two communities as selected by the sponsors; from there it is up to the nation to vote for the 10 communities in a 10-day cross-country tour.
"We received over 500 nominations this year and the competition is fierce," TSN noted on its website. "The judging panel will be reviewing submissions and selecting the 20 finalists. Voting begins July 9 at noon eastern time. Communities will be placed in pairs and go up against one another in a 24-hour head-to-head battle for the most votes."
“We believe we stand a very good chance of being selected in the top 20” the local curling club spokesperson said. “Our nomination was quite strong and the 115 comments that made it before the deadline were equally supportive of this project.”
Comments came from curlers and non- curlers, the young and the experienced. “Some were quite captivating. One of my favourites was from a person who had three eight-ender pins, each I’m sure with a great story, and a grandson just getting started in this wonderful sport. Our future Brier champion, and perhaps a coach?” the spokesperson wondered.
“Our local curling centre has already achieved something good, even if we are not selected to carry on in this competition,” explains the spokesperson. “We have a goal to become more visible in the community, and by participating in ventures such as this we do that. Two of our local mayors offered their support and acknowledged we play and important role in the Valley.
"We also had tremendous support from our curling community who are normally quick to put away their brooms and shoes after the last rock is thrown to move onto other recreational opportunities in the Comox Valley. We thank each of them for their wonderful and supportive comments.”
Be sure to tune in to TSN this Sunday at 2:30 p.m. to hear the official announcement. If selected there will definitely be a Rally in the Valley!
– Comox Valley Curling Club