Fun, friendship and fundraising were the hallmarks of the Oilmens Bonspiel last weekend.
The event was held at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex beginning last Friday, continuing on Saturday and finishing up with the championship games on Sunday.
Though the action on the ice was exciting and competitive, the curlers probably had just as much fun away from the rink. The multiplex lounge was hopping all weekend long as curlers gathered for meals and drinks and swapped stories.
The event also raised money for local charities, with early estimates putting the fundraising total at $17,000, according to one event organizer, Sheldon Jardine.
On the ice, a number of local curlers battled their way to bonspiel success.
Winning the ‘C’ championship was the River Valley Insurance team, consisting of skip Trevor Martin, lead Kendall Robocon, second Paul Kunnas and third Bernie Giacobbo.
The ‘B’ championship went to Jewell Services and skip Kurtis Wiselka, lead Trevor Gross, second Rob Balay and third Kevin Senyk.
Finally, the prestigious ‘A’ championship went to the team from Semalta Communications, including skip Dennis Saby, lead Chris Zelman, second Barry Semashkewich and third Travis Semashkewich.
After the final rock had been thrown, smiles and handshakes were exchanged and all of the curlers spoke of the fun they had at the tournament.
“It was awesome,” said ‘C’ champion Trevor Martin. “Well organized, good competition... it was great.”
Like the curlers, Jardine was happy with the event.
“It went off very well,” he said. “It was really good.”
