The future of curling led each of the 16 teams competing in the SaskTel Men’s Tankard as the event was launched through the opening ceremonies.
Junior curlers held signs with the name of each of the teams. In front of the curlers were the Tisdale RCMP, Legion and Air Cadets. Behind were the members of the organizing committee.
Some teams had already played in the first draw, held before the ceremonies.
Matt Wallington, the chair of the committee, told the audience at the Feb. 1 ceremonies that ticket sales have been so high he’s expecting a full house for most of the five days.
“I attribute the success of this event to three things: first, our organizing committee; second, the local sponsors; and third, our great community.”
Volunteers have spent countless hours preparing, while local businesses have contributed a total of $150,000 in sponsorships.
“I’ve said several times throughout this process there are few other places in Saskatchewan that this event could be more successful,” Wallington said, adding that it not just Tisdale that make it a success, but the whole Northeast.
Patricia Yeske, CurlSask’s president, said Tisdale is known to her organization for its hospitality.
“If you look at the teams that are competing at this event, you’ll see diversity in age,” she said, “as well as experience and accomplishments, but the resounding common factor is their desire to represent the province of Saskatchewan at the 2017 Tim Hortons Brier in St. John’s, N.L., March 4 through 12.”
Fred Bradshaw, the MLA for Carrot River Valley, spoke on behalf of chief sponsor SaskTel.
“I’m sure I can speak for all of us when I say I’m extremely excited and more than ready to watch a few ends here,” he said. “It’s going to be great.”
Al Jellicoe, Tisdale’s mayor, also had a few words.
“It is a pleasure for everybody to come to Tisdale to enjoy what I consider a fabulous facility. I hope that everybody that comes will support the businesses in Tisdale downtown and the surrounding area.”
