Teams from across Canada and the United States joined with local Vancouver participants in the 2009 version of the Pacific Rim Cup Bonspiel. To see pictures taken during the bonspiel, click here.
A highlight of the bonspiel was the inauguration of the PRCL Honour Roll. Four members were recognized for their outstanding dedication and service. To read more about the Honour Roll, click here.
Of course, the most important part of any bonspiel is the curling. The grand winner was the Schneider team from the PRCL. To see the bonspiel draw, click here. To see the names of the winners, click here. To see the pictures of the winning teams, click here.
To see the bonspiel program, click here.
Essential Information:
- excellent curling - 32 teams, 3 games guaranteed
- " Old Farts Competition" - draw to the button competition
- cost: $400 per team (same as the last two years)
which includes
- four banquet tickets (additional banquet tickets may be purchased from the PRCL treasurer at $40 each)
- entry into the Old Farts Draw to the Button Competition
- scrumptious awards banquet on Sunday night at the Holiday Inn
- entertainment during the bonspiel
- reverse draw back by popular demand
- bonspiel theme: Carry the Flame
- Survivors' Party at The Pulse
- Holiday Inn at 1110 Howe St is the Host Hotel once again
- $105 per night single or double
- booking code: PRC - Pacific Rim Curling
- telephone: 800-663-9151
- web site: www.holidayinnvancouverdowntown.com
The Bonspiel included a great weekend of activities, both on and off the ice. All PRCL members and their friends are invited to participate in the activities, even if they are not curling.
Events
Play began early on Friday evening (or late on Friday afternoon depending on your point of view). A filling and delicious choice of "Comfort Food" was available for the curlers. On Friday evening, the theme in the lounge was the Midnight Sun.
The opening ceremonies took place at noon on Saturday. Members of one lucky team received their entry fee back (at least one team member had to be present). The opening rock was thrown under the direction of Ian Quinn, a former member of the PRCL who is living with ALS. The bonspiel made a donation of $100 to an ALS charity.
Immediately following the opening ceremonies, the Old Farts Cup Competition (draw closest to the button) took place. The winner was Stephen Schneider.
Then the annual Saturday afternoon barbecue was a tremendous success once again this year.
Saturday evening feature excellent music with the theme "Carry the Flame". A prize was awarded to the person wearing the best "Flaming Fedora".
Of course, the main event on Sunday was the Finals of the curling. A large crowd cheered for (or against) the teams that succeeded in making it to the finals. After the finals, the Awards Banquet was held at the Holiday Inn on Howe Street. The meal was delicious. The Awards ceremony featured the induction on four members onto the PRCL Honour Roll.
To complete the weekend, the Survivors' Party took place at The Pulse Night Club on Davie Street. The vast majority of the bonspiel participants did survive, and partied late into the night.
It was indeed a tremendous weekend. Congratulations to all the curlers, and many thanks to the fantastic volunteers.
