VCC curlers qualify for Grand Slam event
Left to right: Clancy Grandy (skip), Kayla MacMillan (third), Lindsay Dubue (second), Sarah Loken (lead)
The Clancy Grandy team that practices at VCC has qualified for the 2022 WFG Masters, a Grand Slam of Curling event taking place Dec. 6-11 at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, Ontario. The Grandy team has two wins on tour this season - beating reigning world champion Silvana Tirinzoni in the Curling Stadium Martensville International and winning the final of the Hearing Life Tour Challenge Tier 2 over Jessie Hunkin of Edmonton. The Grandy team is now ranked 14th in the world.
Blind league coaches win an award
VCC coaches and curlers at the award presentation on Nov. 17. Left to right are Fraser Hiltz (curler), Gloria Gutman (SFU Gerentology Reseach Centre), Jim Hall (coach), Tim Ma (coach), Paul Willing (coach), Tal Jarus (coach), Pat Willing (coach), Dave Sawrey (coach), Carla Rokochy (coach), Henry Vis (curler).
The Simon Fraser University Gerontology Research Centre has given its annual seniors leadership award to the coaches in the blind curling program at Vancouver Curling Club. The award recognizes people 65 years and older who have contributed time and experience providing exemplary voluntary service. In his nominating letter, Fraser Hiltz, a visually impaired curler and president of the Vancouver Blind Curilng Club, praised the coaches for their energy, enthusiasm and dedication.
"Carol Kent has been a leader among our coaches, recruiting other participants to help our club be a success. Other coaches in the senior category are Paul and Pat Willing, Jim Hall, Dave Sawrey, and Tim Ma. Currently, our club has 34 members including our coaches. Under the guidance of our volunteers, the entire operation of our curling league is facilitated by them. Guiding total blind and low vision curlers is a must for the safe enjoyment of the sport within our visual disability. Without this support, I suggest that our club would fail to exist. We appreciate the support and guidance we benefit from through the generous volunteers that make it all possible."
"I cannot over state the importance of our volunteers to the enjoyment of blind and low-vision individuals to thoroughly enjoy this sport. The social aspect and athletic participation is of great importance for the blind and low-vision members, something to truly look forward to every winter season. I am proud and humbled to nominate our senior coaches to be considered for your very noble and important award. I thank you for your consideration of our most important and valuable volunteers."
The blind curling program at VCC has been in operation since 1974, with curling at noon on Wednesdays. Depending on the degree of visual impairment of the player, the coach may hold the broom at a short distance in front of the player, set a flashlight on the line of delivery or communicate with the player to ensure that he/she is lined up correctly in the hack.
The curlers have the opportunity to participate in provincial and national blind competitions.
VCC curler is the new voice of Curling Canada ads
Thursday Open League curler Sam Krochmal is an actor and photographer who got a dream job doing voice overs for Curling Canada's recent ads promoting the Scotties, Brier and World Men's Curling Championship. Click on the links below to view the ads.
New charity needed for Barry Naimark Charity Skins Bonspiel
For the past two Charity Skins Bonspiels, money has been raised for Rainbow Refugee. For March of 2024 and 2025, a new charity will be needed.
VCC members are invited to submit names of local registered charities with which they have a personal connection and for whom a donation of approximately $4,000 to $6,000 can make an impact a meaningful and immediate difference. Submissions for charity consideration must include a brief summary on the charity and the members’ connection. As well, a copy of the most recent annual financial statement should be submitted.
Deadline for submissions is March 31, 2023. Please submit the information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Nominate a club member for volunteer of the year
The volunteer time frame is Mar. 1, 2022 to Feb. 28, 2023.The written nomination should be supported by a minimum of two members and should include information citing activities and reasons for the nomination.
Click on the poster for more information and registration.
Register for January learn-to-curl programs and novice leagues
There are more learn-to-curl programs plus novice and rec leagues coming up in January. For more information and registration, visit the links below:
Five-week novice leagues Includes a new Monday 4:30 pm novice league
Click on the poster for more information and registration.
Click on the poster for more information and registration.
VCC club jackets would make a great Christmas present! Try them on for sizing in the pro shop, then select your colours and custom options.