OLDS — Although he’s disappointed that the Humpty’s Champions Cup of Curling had to be postponed to next year, local committee co-chair Gary Gaudette says there’s a silver lining: most ticket-holders and sponsors seem to OK with staying on board when it does happen.
The tournament features the top 12 men’s and 12 women’s winners the curling season in one final showdown. Gaudette noted the same teams that qualified for it in the 2019-2020 season are invited for the event next year.
It will be broadcast on Sportsnet and is part of Pinty's Grand Slam of Curling.
The Pinty’s Champions Cup was supposed to be held Wednesday, April 29 to Sunday, May 3 at the Sportsplex in Olds but was postponed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s now scheduled to be held April 28 to May 2, 2021, still at the Sportsplex.
During an interview, Gaudette described the decision to postpone the event as “unfortunate,” because the community was so excited to host it and because tickets for the showdown were nearly sold out.
“We were all set to go; we were ready to go. Everything was coming together. I’m really disappointed that we had to cancel it, but we had to do what we had to do,” he said.
“We reached out to everybody – reached out to all the people who purchased tickets and all our sponsors and everybody still seems to still be one board with it, for the most part.
“If you want a refund you can get a refund. If you don’t, if you want to keep your tickets, you don’t have to do anything. You just let it ride and those tickets are good for next year.
“Same with the sponsors, and the sponsors seem to be on board with it.
“We gave them the same opportunity; if they want a refund, we’ll give them a refund. And if not, then they don’t have to do anything and they continue to be a sponsor.
“And as of right now, everybody seems to be agreeing with staying on board with that, so that’s a good thing,” he added.
“I strongly believe that if it’s still a go, that we are going to be sold out,” Gaudette said. “The interest for curling in Central Alberta is phenomenal. People love their curling.”
Gaudette said Champions Cup of Curling seemed to spark a greater interest in curling among the youth.
“Definitely what we need is for the young crowd to get back into juniors. The junior program seems to be growing,” he said.
Should you wish to obtain tickets or help out with the event next year the 2021 Humpty’s Champions Cup Organizing Committee can be reached at [email protected].
