The first rocks were thrown in the Capital One Canada Cup of Curling at Mosaic Place on Wednesday morning, but not before players were brought in clapping along to the sound of bagpipes.
The opening ceremonies took place at 9 a.m. sharp after the teams’ warm-up rounds and were immediately followed by the opening draws of this year’s tournament.
Host committee chair Danielle Sicinski credited the new venue with allowing Moose Jaw to host the event.
“That’s the reason why we’re able to have this event,” she said. “That’s why it’s going to be one of those events that the volunteers, the players (and) the fans are all going to truly enjoy ... with it all being under one roof.”
The opening ceremonies included a performance on the bagpipes by Michelle Gallagher. Also participating were Alex Cameron, Sharon Erickson and Jim Ritchie, members of the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, who bore the flags during the proceedings.
“I’m looking forward to the opening ceremonies before the draws,” Sicinski continued. “It’s really neat to see the bagpiper out there and the teams and the clapping and cheering that goes on at the introductions ... and the entertainment, of course, and the Original 16. I’m looking forward to having a good time and just relaxing in the evenings.”
A Moose Jaw resident, Sicinski said she’s no stranger to big curling events like this.
“I’ve been involved with quite a few events around Regina and around Moose Jaw with being a director for the Scotties and the Ford Worlds,” she said. “I curl a little bit, so they approached me and asked me if I’d be interested in doing it.”
For more information, see Thursday's Times-Herald.
