A special week of curling in Steinbach wraps up on Saturday, closing out the 75th Anniversary Bonspiel. 

Steinbach Curling Club President Cody Bergen played in his very first bonspiel only 10 years ago. He quickly discovered that curling is a very social sport. 

“In other sports I’ve played over the years, you have that same rivalry that you get in curling, but you don't see what happens after the game,” he says. “So far, and again my short curling career, every team we played against has been very accommodating. We can get a little intense on the ice but afterwards, they're giving us pointers as new curlers on how to improve our game. And I just don't see that in any in any other sports.” 

Bergen says this has been an exciting week at the curling rink. 

“I think one of the most unique things we found this week is people have an opportunity to see other leagues and other types of curling,” he says. “For example, stick curling, people in men's league or ladies league may not get the opportunity to see that, but now that we've mixed them together throughout the week there's an opportunity for men's league guys, for example, to look at stick curling and think that's maybe an option for them in the future.” 

Bergen, says it is exciting to have 42 teams playing in six different divisions, including juniors. 

“We took a hit with COVID regarding our junior program, just not being able to get them in the building. Since the restrictions have let up, we’ve seen an increase in our juniors' numbers again and we’re hoping to grow those every year. To have a successful club in the long term, kids are really important.” 

He says a special supper is planned for Friday to show appreciation for everyone involved in this celebration week. 

Bergen expects the Granite House Lounge to get extra noisy Friday evening. 

The final games will take place on Saturday. 

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