While most Pentictonites know we are about to host our first international curling event (2013 World Financial Group Continental Cup), what they may not realize is North America and the World are tied at four wins.
The history of the Continental Cup may be relatively short in comparison to other international events, but it attracts some of the strongest competitors in the world.
Each side has six teams and the process to qualify for the Continental Cup is grueling to say the least. The four Canadian teams alone consist of the winner from The Brier, the Scotties, and two winners from the Canada Cup held in Cranbrook in 2011, which is no small feat.
A little history
The first Continental Cup was held in Regina, Sask., in 2002 with North America winning. Europe evened things up with their victory in Thunder Bay a year later.
Medicine Hat hosted in 2004 and once again North America took the lead with Randy Ferby at the stick. Victory was theirs on the final day.
The Continental Cup moved to Chilliwack in 2006 and it was Europe’s turn to even the score at two Cups apiece. Team North America and Team Europe landed in Moose Jaw for the 2007 event. North America was declared the winner by the third day.
With the growing popularity of the sport, and the impact of competitors from Pacific Rim countries, Team Europe was officially designated as Team World.
In 2008, the Continental Cup of Curling was staged in Camrose, Alta. with The World winning 208-192.
The event remained in the Wild Rose province, this time landing in St. Albert in 2011. In what was widely anticipated as a classic showdown with the rubber match on the line, Team North America proved to be the spoilers, wrapping up the title by the time Saturday play was done.
Team World bounced back in 2012 with a victory in Langley to move the WFG Continental Cup back into a 4-4 tie.
Heading into the ninth edition of The Continental Cup, and a tie-breaking year, this is sure to be an action packed four-day event.
The 2013 Continental Cup will take place at the South Okanagan Event Centre Jan. 10 to 13. You gotta be there! All ticket can be purchased online at curling.ca/tickets by phone at 1-877-763-2849 or 250-276-2144 or in person at the South Okanagan Events Centre box office.
Around the House
Modelled after one of the Continental Cup competitions, Penticton hosted its first mixed doubles bonspiel. Organizers Michelle and Allen Pratt gave the teams an opportunity to get the feel of what this soon to be Olympic sport is about.
Cool Shots – Cool shots tournaments are well underway at the local clubs. Each club will have a winner that will advance to the championship to be held Jan. 12 in the Patch (Trade and Convention Centre).
This weekend the Penticton Curling Club will host the Ladies Open bonspiel Nov. 23 to 26. The competition begins on Friday night, everyone is welcome to come down and cheer on their local favourite.
The Christmas open house is Dec. 15 serving Ken’s famous baron of beef, turkey shoot and door prizes available. The Tragically Hip Replacements are providing the entertainment.
Kim Kirkham is the spokesperson for the Penticton Curling Club