The Golden Gals Provincial Curling Association will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in Virden.
The organization, established in 1983, will hold its provincial tournament Nov. 30 - Dec. 3 in Virden. The 2021 provincial tournament was cancelled but the event was revived last season in Flin Flon.
“We did a survey of those attending Flin Flon and the response was positive to keep going and continue with curling and the visiting that accompanies meeting the teams from across Manitoba,” Golden Gals secretary/treasurer Linda Wilson of Hamiota said.
Curling starts on Nov. 30. A luncheon and opening ceremonies will be held on Dec. 1. The ceremonial rock throw that day will feature Virden area curlers. Maxine Heritage will throw with Diane Elliott and Shannon Kinnaird sweeping and Frankie Good holding the broom.
“First rock throwing has always been a part of the opening ceremonies for the past 39 years and is usually a former Golden Gal,” Wilson said. “It takes place with all 16 teams lined up along the edges of the sheet and forms part of the fun of Golden Gals curling.”
After three draws on Saturday, the bonspiel will wrap up with the semifinal and finals contests on Sunday. Fans are welcome to come watch all the games.
Some districts will have playdowns to determine provincial representatives. A full slate of 16 teams will not be known until later this month.
“Golden Gals started in 1983 as a group of 60-plus ladies who did not wish to quit competitive curling and formed the association,” Wilson said. “A few years back, the executive lowered the age to 55-59 for one lady playing any position in order to maintain our contingent of 16 teams.”
