On Thursday, April 14th, at a media conference at the Port Elgin Curling Club, Dave Middleton was all thumbs up as he delivered exciting news.
“CurlOn and Port Elgin Curling Club are pleased to announce that the 2023 Ontario Scotties tournament AND the 2023 Ontario Tankard will both be held simultaneously at the PLEX in Port Elgin from January 23rd – 29th next year!”
He also added that, with her win at the Scotties tournament last weekend at the Thornhill Club, champion Team Homan will have a birth at the 2023 event.
Doug Flowers will remain as Chair Person for the event with the new Steering Committee that will include Paul Schroeder, Deb Struys, and John Leithead.
“While we can’t announce it yet,” said Middleton, “sponsor agreements are in the process of being signed now with more announcements to come in the near future.”
Middleton went on to give an overview of the results from the Port Elgin Chrysler 22 Ontario Tankard that was presented by Bruce Power in February.
“Despite COVID-19 only allowing for a capacity attendance of 50 per cent, we estimate that approximately 5,500 took in the event,” he said.
For the first time, CurlON also permitted ticket sales by 10 surrounding curling clubs that raised more than $22,000 with the funds being divided between the Bluewater Curling Club, Chesley Curling Club, Kincardine Curling Club, Markdale Golf and Country Club, Paisley Curling Club, Port Elgin Curling Club, Southampton Curling Club, Tara Curling Club, Walkerton Curling Club and Wiarton Curling Club.
In addition, more than $4,500 was raised through the Rotary Club of Port Elgin 50/50 draw in support of Women’s House serving Grey Bruce, Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, Canadian Tire Jumpstart, and the Foodbank.
“The event Chair person was Doug Flowers, with Steering Committee members including Earl Anderson, Brian Crabbe, and Kate Hagen,” added Middleton, “and we also want to say a special thank you to the more than 175 volunteers that made this event the best possible experience for players and fans alike.”