Dozens of spectators and curlers came out for the Innisfail Seniors Open Bonspiel last week at the Innisfail Curling Rink.
More than 60 seniors from across the region participated in the annual event from Jan. 4 to 8.
“The seniors bonspiel runs from Monday until Friday and everybody is guaranteed five games. It should be a lot of fun,” said Lowell Peterman, rink manager.
A total of 16 mixed teams consisting of men and women with a total of four curlers per team took part in the annual bonspiel. There were two draws a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with eight teams playing in each draw, noted Peterman.
This year, a shootout and a poker rally were added to make the event a little more fun for everyone, said Peterman.
“It's something different. Each team gets two cards from a deck of cards to start with, and every game they win you draw two more cards and if you lose you get one card,” he explained. “The team with the best poker hand at the end of the week gets a $100 prize,” Peterman added, noting the same prize amount for the shootout. “It's a little fun activity to add to the bonspiel.”
Helen Leduc, an avid curler, was coordinator for the bonspiel. She said the longtime event was well attended and enjoyed by all.
“The seniors bonspiel has been going on for well over 30 years,” said Leduc. “We've always been very, very popular for our seniors bonspiel.”
Leduc said curling is an enjoyable sport for seniors and an activity that helps keep them on the move.
“It is such a nice recreation that allows all of us to get together,” she said. “It makes our winters go very fast and I think it's such a beautiful way to spend winter,” she added. “It keeps us active. I'd rather curl here than sit in Phoenix,” said Leduc with a chuckle. “Some people come from out of town just to visit with us, see old friends and watch them curl.”
Leduc said the annual weeklong bonspiel was also a chance for seniors to enjoy some lighthearted competition and share a Wednesday luncheon with fellow participants.
But the main purpose of the annual bonspiel was not about prizes or money, but about friendships, good times and good curling, she said.
“You don't play for prizes, you play for fun,” said Leduc. “It's about enjoying a great Canadian sport.”
Lowell Peterman
"Each team gets two cards from a deck of cards to start with, and every game they win you draw two more cards and if you lose you get one card. The team with the best poker hand at the end of the week gets a $100 prize."
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