Greats to be inducted into Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame

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This article was published 03/03/2015 (4208 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Local curling greats were recognized last month for their contribution to Manitoba’s curling community.

On Feb. 11, it was announced that former president of the Fort Rouge Curling Club and a coach of 33 years, Tom Clasper will be inducted into  the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame on May 3.

Clasper has coached four Canadian championship teams, including Team Calvert (2014 men’s juniors), Team Meakin (2013 CIS national champions), Team Boswick (1987 Canada Games gold medal), and Team Laliberte (1995 women’s Canadian champions). Clasper has also had a hand in a number of provincial titles since 2004.

At this year’s Canada Winter Games, Clasper coached Colin Kurz and his team, Ryan Lemoine, Weston Oryniak, Brendan Bilawka to a gold medal win against Ontario with a score of 9-2 in the final.

“The curling community is an amazing collection of special people. This special recognition bestowed upon me by Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame caught me by total surprise,” Clasper said. “When you get involved in things that you enjoy doing you’re really not looking for special recognition beyond the appreciation of the people around you.”

Joining Clasper at the induction ceremony in May are Arnold Asham of Red Brick Slider and Asham Stomper fame; Lorne Hamblin, former president of Curl Manitoba, past president of Morris Curling Club, and Olympic coach; Dennis Thiessen, 2014 Paralympics wheelchair gold medallist; and Olympic gold medal winning Team Jones.

The 28th Annual Induction Dinner is being held on Sun., May 3 at Canad Inns Polo Park.