Ironman curlers hurry hard on the Red River
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/02/2022 (469 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
There is a fair bit of winter to deal with when you live in Winnipeg, and curling is one activity that can help fill those winter days. I don’t play anymore, but know people a lot older than me who still enjoy playing the game and I still enjoy watching curling on TV.
I also recently enjoyed watching some outdoor curling at the Ironman outdoor curling event on the Red River here in Winnipeg on Feb. 4 and 5. Forty teams recently participated in the event, which has been held on the first full weekend in February for over 20 years. That is a lot of dedication from some special volunteers. Making curling ice on the river is not an easy feat and requires hours of preparation.
If you have never heard of the event, mark down the weekend of Feb. 3 to 5, 2023. It’s worth a visit to see the curling sheets painted on the Red River, the bright lights at the evening draws, and the fun the curlers are having.
The event also raises funds for two charities — namely the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Hope worldwide Canada.
I may well owe my life to Heart and Stroke because, after my nasty heart attack, the clot-busting drug I was administered in the Kenora Hospital may well have saved my life. So, when Ironman Curling asked if I would help out with media and interviews, it was pretty easy to say “sure!” Funds are raised by the curlers paying an entry fee, garnering pledges, and from the public who support this unique event.
The event was honoured this year when Curling Canada shipped the Tankard trophy, symbol of supremacy in Canadian men’s curling, to Winnipeg to help celebrate Curling Day in Canada on Feb. 5. I had my picture taken alongside the historic trophy, which has several Manitoba names on it, and it brought some extra prestige to this year’s Ironman.
Michael Thompson, a main organizer, curled in the first event and has volunteered ever since.
When I asked him why, he said “Because we can! When you are involved with a successful event you believe in and are passionate about, you don’t count the number of years. You just keep going.”
I salute all of the volunteers who make this event successful. You can still donate at www.ironmancurling.com or plan to enter a team next year. We should all find a way to support this uniquely wonderful Winnipeg event.
John Hindle is a community correspondent for St. Vital. Email him at john@johnhindle.com
John Hindle
Community Correspondent — St. Vital
John Hindle is a community correspondent for St. Vital. Email him at john@johnhindle.com