and fans need somewhere to stay, somewhere to eat, and things to do,” Ellen notes. “It’s not just a sporting event, it’s a community-wide opportunity.” The organizers are also seeking local involvement through sponsorships and contributions to player welcome bags. “We’ll have 28 teams, so that’s over 100 players,” Peter points out. “We’d love to include local products or small gifts from area businesses in the welcome packages.” Ellen added that there’s room for sponsors of all sizes. “We’re open to major sponsors who want to put their name on the event, but also smaller sponsors for things like the post-banquet or entertainment nights. Anyone interested can reach out to either of us -- we’d be happy to talk.” To accommodate spectators, the club will build risers in the upstairs lounge overlooking the ice. “We can seat about 250 people up there,” says Ellen, “With all six sheets of ice in play every draw.” For her, the championship is about more than curling. “I’m incredibly proud of our club and our members,” she says. “This event lets us showcase not only what the St. Thomas Curling Club has to offer but what our whole community is about. These players will go home and tell others what a great experience they had here.” Peter agrees: “A lot of people in town drive by the building on Parkside Drive and don’t really know what’s inside. This is a great chance to open our doors and show them what curling and community really look like.”
With programs like Learn to Curl drawing younger participants, and a thriving youth program connecting with local schools, curling in St. Thomas is seeing a revival. “The average age of curlers is dropping,” Ellen says. “It’s becoming a sport that people in their 20s and 30s are getting excited about; it’s social, it’s active, and it’s fun.” Hosting the 2026 Canadian Curling Club Championships is both a celebration and an investment in the future. As Peter put it, “It helps us raise funds for improvements, ensures the club’s longevity, and keeps curling strong in St. Thomas for years to come.”
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Hometown St. Thomas • November 2025 • Page 23
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