The curling Battle in Port Elgin hosted thousands of fans and raised $40,000 for local organizations.
Canadian Olympic curling medalists Brad Jacobs and Rachel Homan went head-to-head in a weekend curling event that saw three different types of games played.
Head of the Battle’s Marketing and Publicity Committee Dave Middleton says, “Any time you can sell out an event eight months ahead of time, 1,045 tickets per game, plus you sell out the camp at 80 campers from all over North America and then you get incredible support from sponsorship and then you put a broadcast together that goes all over the world, I think to say it went well would be a bit of an understatement.”
Middleton says, attendance was 3,135 over the three days.
Team Jacobs won the Sunday afternoon head-to-head game to pick up the weekend victory. “Of course we really want to thank both Team Jacobs and Team Homan for taking part.”
The addition of the Paralympic Gold Medal Curling Team resulted in recognition and integration in the sports for the first time ever, and Middleton says, “curling in general was the winner of this as well because I think the sport has taken a step forward.”
The camp sold out by the end of February as well with 80 campers from all over North America travelling to Saugeen Shores to learn from the top players and coaches in the country.
Organizers set up opportunities to watch the event live on Rockchannel.com, CBC Gem, CBCSports.ca, CBC YouTube channel, and the Home Team Network.
Middleton says, Mike Harris, Marilyn Bodogh, and Glenn Howard described the action all weekend to viewership all over the world. Devin Heroux came down with Laryngitis and was unable to host but his appearance at the event and work behind the scenes ensured the best experience.
The three-day event was sponsored by Bruce Power and presented by Holiday Inn Express and Suites. With the hotel also being sold out for the weekend. The event was expected to generate more than $1million dollars for businesses in the community. “Without the proper amount of sponsorship, it just can’t happen, and we really appreciate that,” says Middleton.
Steering Committee Chair Doug Flowers says the event was designed as a fundraiser for charities and curling clubs in the area. The four charities, Sandra Schmirler Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Tire Jump Start, and Special Olympics will split about $40,000. “Herculean effort by the Committee, Chairs, Volunteers, Sponsors, and the community,” says Flowers.