It all began on a late January day in 2022 with a simple question: “Road trip anyone?” The responses were quick and enthusiastically positive.
Having just received news that the 2023 Brier would be held in London, Ontario, I threw out the question on the Elmvale Curling Club women’s Facebook page. The thought of a convoy of ECC women curlers heading west on the 401 for this premier event was too exciting to ignore.
By the time advance tickets were available to purchase, 16 current and retired ECC curlers, spanning two generations, were ready to be part of the adventure. Championship package tickets were purchased and hotel reservations were arranged, and now we had more than a year long wait for our Brier experience to begin!
Elmvale is a small Ontario town nestled between Barrie and Midland. Its curling club has a rich 155 year history, and is known for its two sheets of ice, and dedicated, friendly curling community for all ages. One of the things that make it special is the continued involvement of retired curlers as volunteers, mentors and cheerleaders for the club, and those still playing the sport they love. They are respected and valued for the experience, and knowledge of the game they share. That’s why it was no surprise that our Brier group included some amazing women for whom age had ended their playing days, but not their enthusiasm for adventure, and watching some great curling with friends.
After much anticipation, March 2023 rolled around, and our convoy set off down the 401 West to London, and the championship weekend of the Brier.
We had custom made bright yellow scarves to wear to the games. These were great souvenirs that made us very identifiable while in the arena stands. Armed with our cowbells, and a ton of enthusiasm we watched our curling favourites compete for the chance to become Team Canada.
Daily during the games, the texts came in from friends and family saying “we saw you on the TV, your scarves can be seen a mile away”. People in the arena approached us and asked about the scarves and where we got them, making us “ambassadors” for Elmvale, and our curling club. We all danced, and waved when our images appeared on the big screen, and were rewarded with Tim Hortons gift cards for being such an engaged group of spectators. I like to think that some of the players saw us in the Home End corner, smiled, and wondered about the scarves. Yes, that was me cheering for you Brendan and Brad!
It was so exciting to see Team Canada receive the Brier Trophy right in front of us. What an amazing national sporting tradition to witness. Then, all too soon, it was time to return home, loaded with wonderful Brier memories.
When we got back, we all signed one of the yellow scarves, had it framed, and hung in a place of honour at the club. A reminder that 16 women, of two generations, had shared a road trip to see the best play a sport they love.
Someday I know that I’ll have to put away my broom, and join the retirees. I also know that I’ll be an enthusiastic volunteer, mentor and cheerleader for the next generation of players. Maybe one of them will plan an adventure somewhere to see the best play, and they’ll invite me along for the ride. “Road trip anyone”?
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