By SooToday Staff
SooToday.com
Thursday, November 05, 2009

NEWS RELEASE

NORTHERN ONTARIO CURLING ASSOCIATION

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Curling Week in Northern Ontario Begins Saturday

October 30, 2009 – The Northern Ontario Curling Association is proud to launch the inaugural “Curling Week in Northern Ontario” presented by Bearskin Airlines Oct. 31 to Nov. 8, 2009.

This “Rockin’ Celebration” aims to honour the history of the roaring game in Ontario’s north, increase curling’s visibility and encourage participation. Curling clubs across Northern Ontario are participating in many different ways. Some are hosting Open Houses and “Learn to Curl” clinics while others are holding Celebrity games, Halloween parties, Challenge games and more. For information on activities planned by various curling clubs, visit www.curlnoca.ca.

“Northern Ontario has a proud curling history and we have much to celebrate,” says Al Gemmell, President of the Northern Ontario Curling Association. “We encourage everyone to visit their local curling club during Curling Week. This time is a great time to try curling!”

Visitors to participating curling clubs can enter a free draw for a trip for two to the opening weekend of the 2010 Scotties Tournament of Hearts being held in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario beginning January 30. The prize package includes airline flights from any Northern Ontario location that Bearskin Airlines flies, one double occupancy room for three nights at the Great Northern Hotel and Conference Centre and tickets to opening draws. The contest is open to Northern Ontario residents 18 years of age or older only.

To help celebrate the game’s history in the North, visit www.curlNOCA.ca to vote for the “Top 5 Moments in Northern Ontario Curling History.” The Top 5 choices selected by the public will be unveiled in November. Options include the first Brier championship for Northern Ontario in 1950, “The Shot” by Al Hackner in the 1985 Brier, Heather Houston’s back-to-back Scott Tournament of Hearts titles, the first Northern Ontario Wheelchair Championships and seven others.

The NOCA acknowledges the tremendous support of Bearskin Airlines, the Presenting Sponsor of Curling Week and Official Airline of the NOCA.

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