Grande Prairie Curling Centre registration open September 14

Sep 12, 2021 | 5:00 AM

The Grande Prairie Curling Centre is looking to get operations back to normal with COVID-19 restrictions now lifted across Alberta.

The 2020-21 season was difficult for the facility, as they had to open and close five different times throughout the year due to the changing restrictions.

With restrictions now lifted and a full season expected to begin in early October, Curling Centre Director Colin Griffith tells EverythingGP he’s hopeful they can get their numbers back to what they were in 2019.

“We are certainly doing everything we can to turn it into an attractive opportunity for the curling community,” said Griffith. “We are encouraging people not only to come out one night but to curl two or three nights. We are giving them improved incentives, so we can encourage more participation.”

While there are many people eager to get back out on the sheet of ice and play a game of curling, Griffith says they’re also looking at putting programs in place to encourage new people to try out the sport.

“We are opening the opportunity for people who haven’t curled before to come and join the curling club,” he explained.

“We’ll be offering some instruction and social opportunities for people to get right involved in the curling club with all of the other members.”

Griffith added any events that take place at the curling club will adhere to all COVID-19 measures that the province or City of Grande Prairie has put in place.

Registration for the curling season goes from September 14-17, with the season getting underway the week of October 4.

It is expected to be a busy season for the curling club, with a full season upon them and the club hosting the Alberta curling provincial tournament later this winter.

by Shane Clausing