The month of February will see over 7,000 students and educators from across the province learning about curling.
Today Minister of Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport, Eric Robinson proclaimed February to be “Learn to Curl Month”.
The proclamation was made at the Granite Curling Club while grade 6 students from Lavallee School and Springs Christian Academy attended one of over 20 “Learn to Curl” clinics that will be held in February.
“Students from across the province are being offered the opportunity to learn the curling basics, watch some world-class curling, and become involved at a young age with this wonderful life-time sport” stated Minister Robinson. “Manitoba is the heart of curling in this country with over 130 curling clubs in the province. By
proclaiming February “Learn to Curl” month, the Province of Manitoba is recognizing and supporting the efforts of the students, their teachers and the members of this sport acting as mentors. We encourage all participants to enjoy the experience and to take in local curling events such as the upcoming Tim Hortons Brier March 8-16 at the MTS Centre.”
Organizers of the 2008 Tim Hortons Brier are pleased that a partnership with Manitoba Hydro has resulted in the Manitoba Hydro School Program. This program will expose these students to the sport of curling with the hope that they themselves may become curlers and increase their fitness level. Curling is a fantastic activity no matter what age and what ability level. As a lasting legacy, “Learn to Curl” teacher’s guides, student workbooks, and instructional DVDs will be distributed to 200 schools across the province.
"Having had a long history of collaborating with schools and amateur sport, we anticipated that the School Program would be popular", said Gary Shingleton of Manitoba Hydro. "However, having more than 2 000 students participate in the Learn to Curl clinics and 7 000 attend the Brier - absolutely exceeded our
expectations. We're thrilled that so many educators and students are involved."
There are three main components to the school program. They are as follows:
Grades 4 & 5 students:
They will receive a ticket to watch one draw at the Brier, and to participate in an ‘Adopt a Province’ poster campaign for the Province their class would like to cheer for at the event.
Grade 6 students:
They will receive the opportunity to participate in a “Learn to Curl” clinic, receive on-ice instruction and play a game! The Granite Curling Club has graciously offered their ice for all 1,438 participating Grade 6 students from Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Curling Association has undertaken the job of providing the clinicians to train the students! In the rural areas, the MCA’s Regional Directors are organizing the “Learn to Curl” clinics at the local clubs for the 945 participating Grade 6 students. All will receive a ticket to watch a draw at the Brier.
Grades 7 to 12 students:
They will receive a ticket to watch a draw at the Brier and an invitation to participate in a multi-media contest where students create an advertisement for the Brier based on the Legends of Rock theme.
About the 2008 Tim Hortons Brier
The 2008 Tim Hortons Brier will be held at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 8 – 16, 2008. The theme is “Legends of Rock.”
There are several ticket packages available to attend the 2008 Tim Hortons Brier starting at $50. Tickets are available online at www.seasonofchampions.ca or by phoning Ticketmaster at 204-669-3333. In person purchases can be made at the MTS Centre box office.
For more information, please contact:
Gary Shingleton
Retail Promotions & Sponsorship Marketing
Manitoba Hydro
204.480.5124
Sue Clayton
School Program Director
2008 Tim Hortons Brier
204.487.2863
Rob Dewhirst
Event Coordinator
2008 Tim Hortons Brier
204.929.2001 | 
