Tim Hortons Brier Draws Volunteers and Curling Fans to Lethbridge
The City of Lethbridge is buzzing with activity this week, as the 2022 Tim Hortons Brier is underway at the Enmax Centre. Eighteen of the best men’s curling teams in Canada are facing off, including Team Alberta, skipped by Kevin Koe and recent Olympic medalist Brad Gushue’s rink slotting into a wild card spot.
The recent removal of COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta came as a big relief to organizers, allowing the event to run at full capacity with food and drink sales operating normally. Ice level media and volunteers will remain masked, but spectators are no longer required to wear a mask while attending the draws. Ticket sales have been strong throughout the event, particularly for big draws such as the Battle of Alberta held on Wednesday, March 9th, where Kevin Koe’s rink went head to head with Bryan Bottcher’s, Team Canada Skip and fellow Alberta resident.
Kevin Koe draws large crowds in his home province of Alberta
Although it may be difficult to tell from your TV screen, there are hundreds of volunteers working behind the scenes to bring the Brier to life. Over 300 individuals have volunteered their time, with each volunteer giving roughly 30 hours of their time to make the event a success.
Bridget Mearns has been a member of the Lethbridge Curling Club since 2006, and is volunteering her services and experience throughout the Brier. She is serving as the Director of Scorers, Stats and Timers for the event. “I am proud and inspired by my team. I have 40 volunteers who have committed to filling over 200 shifts. Many of the volunteers are adding this commitment to their already busy work days. Others have dedicated their entire week to the Brier. Some have come from outside of the city and traveled long distances to participate.”
Volunteers from across Southern Alberta and Canada in Lethbridge to support Brier
Mearns notes one special characteristic that brings all the volunteers together - their passion for curling. “All the volunteers have a love of the sport, sharing their talent and time and sharing the same goal – to contribute to a successful and memorable Brier for the athletes and Lethbridge.”
There is no doubt an event of this magnitude serves to grow the sport of curling in the city, bringing awareness and an increased understanding of the game to residents. It is also a great opportunity to engage young curlers in Lethbridge, providing a front row seat for future stars to learn from a swath of Canadian curling legends. “Curling is a fantastic sport that can be played from a young age well into your later years, including at a competitive level,” says Mearns. “Continuing to offer and support junior programming at the Curling Club, high school and UofL curling programs are key to youth participating in the sport.”
LCI mixed team takes gold at ASAA High School Provincial Finals - March 5th, 2022
The final is set to take place on Sunday. The winner will represent Canada at the World Men's Curling Championship April 2nd through10th in Las Vegas.
