Penticton or Las Vegas???
In January, 2013, Penticton Curling Club hosted the Continental Cup. This event pits the best curlers from North America against the best in other parts of the world (from other continents, hence the name). Such an event takes participation from many volunteers to make it a success. Several members of the Oliver Curling Club volunteered in various roles to keep the rocks roaring. Just 4 of them are shown in the photos below. Cathy Thompson, Cathy Pidduck and Wanda Casorso are shown with Madison Boen-Shekula, one of the future stars of our club.
In January 2014, for some inexplicable reason, the Continental Cup will be held in Las Vegas, hardly a hotbed of winter sports. The sponsor, World Financial Group, must have known what they were doing, however, as it appears the event, which started January 16th, is sold out. Maybe it’s the novelty that attracts the crowds, or maybe there are many Canadian curling fans vacationing in Las Vegas this year. At any rate, it promises to be good entertainment. For those who are skeptical about the ability of Las Vegas show types to put on an event such as this, you can probably relax. Organizers have imported an experienced ice technician from Winnipeg, so rocks will be sliding over pebble, not cubes.
No volunteers from Oliver have made plans to attend, although many will be following the event on TV. There are a few variations on the usual curling format. Mixed doubles and singles competition will be happening in between conventional mens and womens competions. It is wholly a team event, with scoring going to North America or World teams.