Some of the world’s best Crokinole players will soon be making tracks to Oliver.
The third annual B.C. Open Crokinole Championship Tournament will be held March 19 at the Oliver Community Centre.
“This year we will once again welcome players from Washington, Ontario and the western provinces to our community to compete in this event that has caught the attention of some of the best Crokinole players in the world,” said Carol Sheridan, Oliver recreation program manager.
Crokinole is an action board game similar to both shuffleboard and curling, reduced to table-top size. Players take turns shooting discs across the circular playing surface, trying to have their discs land in the higher-scoring regions of the board, while also attempting to knock away opposing discs.
Players of all experience levels are invited, from those who come to compete to those who just play for fun. Over $1,700 will be awarded in cash prizes as well as trophies, numerous door prizes and great raffle draws.
Tournament registration packages are available online at www.oliverrecreation.ca, or call 250-498-4985 to register by phone. Register before March 4 to get the early bird rate.
In April of 2009 the first B.C. Championship was held in Oliver, with 34 players from three provinces and Washington state competing in the event, organized by local enthusiast Clif Antypowich. The youngest player was an eight-year old girl, the oldest a 92-year old man. Last year the number of competitors doubled to 74 from all over B.C. and across the Prairies, as well as Washington. The list of competitors in 2010 also included World Crokinole doubles title holder Ray Beierling from London, Ont.
Round-robin play in each of the Recreational Doubles Division, Competitive Doubles Division, Recreational Singles and Competitive Singles will result in the top teams from each division based on total points advancing through rounds of play until the top two face off for the championship title and trophy. The championship game will not be timed and will be the best of three games.
For more information about the game of Crokinole and the BC Open Championship Tournament contact Clif Antypowich by email cantypowich@telus.net or phone 250-498-0304.