Province Freezes Out 2020-’21 Curling Season

Province Freezes Out 2020-’21 Curling Season

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

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For curlers in Vegreville and area the 2021-’21 season ended before it began due to the Province’s original lifting and subsequent tightening of health restrictions that forced it and other team sports to the sidelines.

Kevin Weder, President of the Heather Curling Club, said he was “extremely disappointed” by what happened. He said they were ready to curl when the Government of Alberta decided to change its restrictions on December 8. During the lockdown, Weder said they kept waiting to see when those restrictions would be lifted again.

“Every week it was wait and see,” said Weder. When the provincial government came out with its phased approach in early February and curling, along with other team sports, were not included in the first phase, they pretty well knew they would have to decide whether or not to keep waiting to see if things would open up or not.

As things continued to drag on it became apparent that cancellation of the season was inevitable. It was a blow, not only to Weder, but approximately 100 members of the club. It will be the first time in over 110 years there will be no curling played in the community.

“Hopefully, by doing our part they can get control of the pandemic and we will be able to get back curling next season.” He also hopes they will not lose a lot of curlers because of the government-imposed hiatus.

In a normal year the club generally offers men’s, ladies, and mixed curling as well as an afternoon drop-in program and an after school youth program.

Read the full story in the February 24, 2021 edition of the News Advertiser - now online!