Tim Hortons Brier funds go back into the community
Oct 17, 2014
Funds raised from Kamloops hosting Canada’s top curlers are going back into the community.
Thanks to profits from ticket sales from the 2014 Tim Hortons Brier, held at the Interior Savings Centre in Kamloops, two community sports facilities will be receiving $64,789.50 in funds.
A total of $20,967 will be allocated to the McArthur Island Curling Club, while Kamloops Curling Club will get $43,822.50.
Kamloops Sports Council will also benefit to the tune of $86,336.50. The funds will be used to promote communication, development, education and participation of sport in the greater Kamloops area.
The Tim Hortons Brier, held from March 1-9, 2014, was part of the Canadian Curling Association’s Season of Champions events in the 2013-14 season. The event featured the top men’s curlers from across the nation.
Curl BC, the governing body for the sport of curling in British Columbia, has also benefited from the event, with a total of $12,950.50 being allocated to them.
It was a packed house for the final at the Interior Savings Centre on March 9 when Kamloops-born Jim Cotter and his team of skip John Morris, second Tyrel Griffith and lead Rick Sawatsky battled against Alberta’s Kevin Koe for the title. BC ended up with the silver medal.
The City of Kamloops, Canada’s Tournament Capital, helped to bring the event to the city. Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar said: “As Canada’s Tournament Capital, nurturing our local athletes is imperative. Hosting the 2014 Brier allowed us to support the curling community, while also showcasing our first-class hosting capabilities to the world.”
Norm Daley, the chair of the event, said: “We are extremely pleased at the ability to support our community from the legacy left from this event. The community will benefit for years to come as a result of the efforts of our great team of volunteers.”
Scott Braley, Curl BC CEO, said: “The Kamloops community did a fantastic job of hosting the 2014 Tim Hortons Brier and we’re delighted that both of the city’s curling centres and their members are benefiting from ticket sales.
“Through their financial support, the Province of British Columbia also helped to make this event successful. We look forward to continuing to work with the government and communities across BC to help the sport of curling to grow.”
“One of the great things about hosting an event like the Tim Hortons Brier is that curlers in the host community reap so many of the benefits,” said Greg Stremlaw, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Curling Association. “Not only do they get a chance to watch world-class curling in their hometowns, but their affiliated curling centres and the Member Associations receive funds that help grow the sport of curling and leave a lasting legacy. And the economic impact goes far beyond that, considering the millions of dollars that are spent at hotels, restaurants and local businesses by visiting curling fans. Kamloops did a wonderful job in hosting the 2014 Tim Hortons Brier, and we’re excited to see the city benefit like this.”
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About Curl BC
Curl BC is the provincial sport governing body responsible for the development, promotion and organization of curling in British Columbia. Curl BC is also responsible for the championship system that declares provincial representation at National events. In cooperation with its Members, Curl BC provides services to both competitive and recreational curlers, including a variety of adaptive groups.
For more information, contact Rebecca Connop Price at rconnopprice@curlbc.ca or call 604-333-3617.