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Masters provincial curling event in Estevan postponed

Concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus have forced the postponement of a provincial event in Estevan. The CurlSask masters men’s and women’s curling championships, for those over the age of 60, were happening at the Power Dodge Curling Centre.
Curling pic

Concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus have forced the postponement of a provincial event in Estevan.

The CurlSask masters men’s and women’s curling championships, for those over the age of 60, were happening at the Power Dodge Curling Centre. The tournament began Thursday, with eight teams entered in the women’s division and 12 in the men’s division, and was slated to end Saturday.

The Mark Walter rink, competing out of the Estevan Curling Club, was among the teams entered in the men’s division.

The first two draws of the women’s event and the first draw of the men’s event were completed on Thursday before the decision was made to suspend the tournament.

In a news release, CurlSask said the COVID-19 virus situation has caused many groups, including CurlSask, to reassess ongoing and upcoming events and gatherings.

After what it called careful consideration, CurlSask made the decision to postpone the masters provincial championship and the under-18 provincial qualifiers scheduled to take place this weekend.

“This is obviously a very difficult decision,” said executive director Ashley Howard. “However, given the public health risk posed by COVID-19, we feel it’s a prudent response to protect our curlers in Saskatchewan. Please rest assured (we are) making every attempt to avoid any unnecessary health and safety risks to our athletes, umpires and host communities.”

Curling Canada has also announced the postponement of the 2020 Canad Inns Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championship, Everest Canadian Senior Curling Championships and Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship.

The World Curling Federation has also made the decision to cancel the Women’s World Curling Championship in Prince George, B.C.

Curling Canada has said the 2020 U18 Canadian Curling Championships, in Sudbury, Ont., from April 20-25, will be re-evaluated in the coming days.

With respect to future CurlSask events, they will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide a further update March 17.