09/13/2019
Virden Viterra Curling championship, a financial success!
The 2019 Viterra Championships were not only a success on the ice, but they also made some cool cash off the ice as well.
The Feb. 8-12 curling championships held at Tundra Oil and Gas Place turned a profit of $102,533.
Co-chair of the event Cory Barkley (along with Jay Kinnaird, Carol Polk, and Roxanne Freeman), said he was pleased with the championships and with what the committee and Town of Virden were able to accomplish.
“I've heard from many curlers that competed, that it was the best Viterra they've curled in and were looking forward to coming back again,” said Barkley. “Those comments are "worth their weight in gold" as it's the curlers who put on the show at the end of the day.”
Barkley said the work from their committee was superb.
A committee of 40 people plus 250 volunteers helped put on the event.
“To look around and see the smiles on the faces of all of our committee, truly enjoying their jobs and taking on tasks throughout the week and before, made it so worthwhile, we really couldn't have asked for a better committee, and they should be so proud of their efforts," said Barkley.
He also mentioned the volunteer support from the community and sponsor dollars committed to the event as major factors. "We're asking a lot, to put these things on,” said Barkley. “We want you to buy a ticket, we want you to volunteer, we want you to provide sponsorship. We knew it was a lot to ask, and the community stepped up, right from the person that volunteered for one shift to our Diamond sponsors, Valleyview Co-op and Four Seasons Sales. That really made the event what it was."
Barkley also appreciated the support from the Town of Virden. "They supported the event from day one and made themselves available to us, and very much wanted the event to be as successful as possible. Rhonda, Tracy, Brian, Liza and all the staff worked with us and their support was tremendous."
As for the proceeds of the event, the curling club has not put any firm plans in place. Recent upgrades to the building (kitchen renovation, ice surface and viewing upgrades) came out of the club's operating budget. The club's ice plant requires a new compressor (which will be in place prior to this curling season) and, if required, some of the Viterra proceeds may be used towards that.
Virden Curling Club President Steve Warkentin said, “We are very fortunate to have such a strong club through our membership and community support. Our financial position allows us to maintain our current facility as well as plan for the future. Our Board Members work hard to achieve that balance and ensure everyone always has a place to learn and play the game.”
As for future events, Barkley said there hasn't been any discussions amongst the curling club board, but feels a break between these events based on what makes them successful, is a must.
"I can't see hosting something again for at least another five years, just based on the volunteer stress and sponsor money it requires to make it successful, but you never know,” said Barkley. “If an event came up that someone in our club thought they could run and make it successful, I'm thinking the town would support us again."
