The 2019 Jiffy Lube Alberta Scottie’s Tournament of Hearts kicked off in Stettler with an opening ceremony and banquet Jan. 22.
The Alberta provincial women’s curling tournament runs from Jan. 23 to 27. Twelve teams are participating, including last year’s provincial champs, the Scheidegger team. The winning team will represent Alberta at the national Scottie’s Tournament of Hearts.
Steve Gerlitz, chairman of the Stettler Curling Club’s planning committee was the driving force for bringing the event to Stettler.
“This is a dream,” said Gerlitz. “This dream started about two and a half years ago when we first made our bid to the Alberta Curling Association.”
READ MORE: 2019 Alberta Scotties, hosted in Stettler, could be anybody’s bonspiel.
Stettler Town Coun. Malcolm Fischer was the MC for the evening and Brooklyn Tucker sang O’ Canada.
Jill Richard from Curling Alberta acknowledged that Gerlitz was instrumental in bringing the Alberta Scotties to Stettler.
READ MORE: Defending champions Team Scheidegger will fight to keep title
Don and Jim MacLeod were the bagpipers from the Camrose area. Stettler Legion 59 carried the flags. Dignitaries in attendance included Battle River - Crowfoot MP Kevin Sorenson, Drumheller - Stettler MLA Rick Strankman, Stettler Mayor Sean Nolls and Stettler Reeve Larry Clarke.
READ MORE: Lacombe’s Team Sherrer represents central Alberta at Alberta Scotties
Brandon Somervile, owner of Stettler Jiffy Lube, toasted the athletes and declared the event open. Teresa’s Catering catered the banquet.
There are about 250 volunteers helping to make the event possible in Stettler.
Most of the money generated by the Scotties stays with the event, but any proceeds left will go to the long-term sustainability of the SCC. The event is at the Stettler Recreation Centre. There are
READ MORE: Excitement building for women’s provincial curling tourney in Stettler
lisa.joy@stettlerindependent.com
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