Former national and international women’s curling champion Kelly Scott has thrown her weight behind Penticton’s bid to host the 2018 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, and is urging B.C. curling enthusiasts to, “hurry hard” with support.
Scott, an Okanagan resident and skip at the Kelowna Curling Club, has competed in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts eight times, winning in 2006 and 2007, adding the 2007 World Women’s Curling Championship to her long list of curling credentials. This week Scott endorsed Penticton’s bid to host the Jan. 28 – Feb. 4, 2018 national women’s curling championship tournament, saying the entire tournament experience benefits the curlers, fans, community and the province.
“We need to rally together to make sure we can showcase our beautiful Okanagan area and treat these talented women’s curlers to a top-notch event in Penticton,” Scott said. “Please support this bid by registering your $100 deposit today.”
Tournament organizers are trying to sell 1,000 of the $100 ticket deposits needed by June 10 in order to have their bid considered by the Canadian Curling Association (CCA). Currently Sydney, NS is the only other city vying to host the 2018 tournament. But Penticton organizers are excited and optimistic about their chances of securing B.C.’s fourth national women’s championship tournament.
“This tournament will mean a huge influx of people into our community and a boost to our local economy during the winter season,” said Penticton host committee co-chair Kim Kirkham.
Kirkam added the economic spinoff from this event has been estimated to be six to 12 million dollars.
Scott agrees that the event does generate buzz in the host city.
“There is so much excitement throughout the event with the TSN Sports coverage, the buzz around the city, the various volunteer positions available, the rock star women’s curlers being out and about in the area, and the energy from the event that all the fans and community are able to experience,” said Scott.
Full event passes include access to every match and entry to “The Patch” each day.
Deposits can be made locally at the Valley First Box Office (at the SOEC), Wine Country Visitor Centre, via phone at 1-877-SOEC-TIX or online at rockthebid.com. The $100 deposit is refundable if Penticton is unsuccessful in its bid.
If Penticton wins the bid, patrons who have made the $100 deposit would have to follow through and buy tickets for the tournament, or their deposit is forfeited.