PARKSVILLE — Some of B.C.’s best masters curlers are in the region this week.
The 2023 B.C. Masters are being hosted by the Parksville Curling Club, with opening ceremonies on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. and action starting on the ice the following morning.
Event co-chair and defending ladies champion Penny Shantz told NanaimoNewsNOW there is a lot on the line and everyone wants to win, even if there are some familiar and friendly faces in the draw.
“This is a competition. The winners will go onto Saint John, NB at the beginning of April to compete as Team B.C. at the Canadian Masters, so that’s at the front of it, but we all know each other.”
Draws go three times per day at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the club on Corfield St.
Fourteen teams are taking part including nine in the men’s division and five in the women’s. Among those are a handful of local teams, as well as representatives from across the province.
In a bid to better promote the Oceanside area, which is a major focus for organizers, Shantz said they decided against having a banquet evening.
“We’ve actually given them some money to go out into the community to enjoy our local restaurants and shop in the community.”
Shantz said restaurants have offered gift cards to participants, with the idea borrowed from other events she has competed at.
The semi finals are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25, with the finals going Sunday, Feb. 26 at 9 a.m.
Visitors are welcomed throughout the week-long event.
“They can come down anytime to the Parksville Curling Club, there’s no admission charge to come in, Shantz said. “We have lots of good seating and it’s not that cold out there. Bring a blanket if you want to come watch.”
More information on the event is available on the club’s website.
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