Released on January 21, 2015
Sweep, slide and hurry hard! The provincial government has proclaimed this day Curling Day in Saskatchewan.
Curling Day in Saskatchewan encourages citizens to enjoy healthy, active living while playing, watching or learning about their provincial sport. Curling was designated as Saskatchewan’s official sport in 2001. Today, it is enjoyed by more than 20,000 residents in more than 150 curling clubs across the province.
“Curling is one of Saskatchewan’s most popular pastimes and is something that can be enjoyed by citizens of every age and ability,” Parks, Culture and Sport Mark Docherty said. “Schmirler, Richardson, Holland… Saskatchewan has a rich history where curling is concerned and our government is proud to celebrate and support the growth of our provincial sport. That’s why we offer programs such as the Community Rink Affordability Grant, so that curling rinks across Saskatchewan may continue to serve as favourite gathering places within our communities.”
CURLSASK, who submitted the proclamation for Curling Day in Saskatchewan, hopes that this day will encourage more people to head to their local curling club and experience all that the sport has to offer.
“CURLSASK is pleased that the government has declared a provincial day of curling as it will provide us with a chance to recognize and grow our provincial sport,” CURLSASK President Marg Mayotte said. “This day gives CURLSASK an opportunity to promote awareness and increase participation in Saskatchewan's curling clubs.”
Today is the first time Curling Day in Saskatchewan is being celebrated across the province. The day reflects Canada’s nationwide declaration of 2015 as the Year of Sport. Declared by His Excellency David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, Year of Sport celebrates the role sports play in our Canadian identity. By encouraging citizens to support and participate in sports within their communities, Year of Sport highlights Canada’s role as a leading sport nation and recognizes those individuals who have left their legacy through athletic excellence.
The Community Rink Affordability Grant Program awards indoor ice facilities, including curling rinks, with a $2,500 grant per ice surface to help offset the costs of facility upgrades and maintenance fees. In September, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that it would offer the Community Rink Affordability Grant Program for the third year in a row. To date, the government has invested more than $4.8 million in the program.
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For more information, contact:
Amanda Clark
Parks, Culture & Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6880
Email: amanda.clark@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927