Page 24 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 92

24 Issue #92 September 2020 www.sportsenergynews.com

Tee Line Talk

with Alex MacDougall

Curling Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic

urling ended abruptly in mid- whether they will open in the fall. The at the feasibility of opening the club meeting during the summer to discuss
CMarch when curling clubs were governing bodies such as the Canadian for curling as early as November. The these and other issues. Will in-club
closed and ice was removed across Curling Association, Ontario Curling Canadian Curling Association has bonspiels be allowed to occur and if
the country due to COVID-19. Many Association, and the Ottawa Valley put together return-to-play guidelines so, what will this look like? Will we
events on the World Curling Tour Curling Association have come up which include changes to sweeping have a second wave of this pandemic
and the Grand Slam of Curling were with guidelines, restrictions, and rules, on-ice player positioning, and and if so, will it shut the club down
postponed and eventually cancelled. protocols that clubs would be advised pregame/post-game handshakes. The for the second time?
In fact, the complete world of sports to follow should they decide to operate most notable changes include the use The Men’s World Curling
was turned upside down due to the for the 2020/21 curling season. Of of one sweeper only, the restriction Champions in Glasgow, Scotland
pandemic, and at present most sports course, the protocol set by the Eastern of sweeping the opposition’s rocks that was scheduled for last March
are still being affected. Ontario Health Unit would also have behind the tee line, and the positions was cancelled. The Ladies’ Worlds
to be adhered to for the club to remain of the players on the ice when they scheduled for Prince George, BC was
Some professional sports such as
hockey, basketball, baseball, and golf open. Start-up costs for a curling are not throwing. The sport itself also cancelled. The last two Grand
have restarted, albeit without fans. club are quite high and therefore the presents a challenge for social Slam events of the season were
concern about a second wave of the distancing as there is a closeness also cancelled. Early July saw the
These sports with huge television
contracts can survive without the pandemic causing a possible early among teammates and the opposition cancellation of the fi rst four Grand
shutdown is ever present. during a game. The wearing of Slam events for this season die due
fan base. At the time of this writing,
the Cornwall Curling Centre has The Cornwall Curling Centre has facemasks while playing (should that to the pandemic. The Players Grand
yet to come to the decision about set up an ad hoc committee to look be a requirement) will also present Slam event in Toronto is scheduled to
a challenge. Curling is very much a happen followed by the season fi nale
social sport and gathering together at the end of April in Olds, Alberta.
after a game to enjoy a beverage with We will continue to keep you
Maximize the curb appeal of your home! the opposition will also be tough. posted on further postponements or

Preparing the facility for play cancellations.
We will just have to extend that
is a costly venture. The Board of
We carry the largest and boldest colour pallet of Exterior Cladding. golf season a little longer. Until next
Directors must be commended for
Vinyl Siding • Aluminum • Shake • Stone month, stay tuned.

840 Tenth Street East, Cornwall

613 932-5660
www.emardlumber.ca