Government of Canada Supports the Canadian Curling Association

OTTAWA, December 5, 2013 – The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced Government of Canada funding for the Canadian Curling Association (CCA) on the occasion of the Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings Canadian Curling Trials, being held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from December 1 to 8, 2013.

“We are proud of the world-class reputation of our curlers, and our commitment will help them in their pursuit of excellence. I congratulate the Canadian Curling Association on their dedication, and I wish the best of luck to all the athletes on the road to Sochi,” said Minister of State Gosal. “Through Sport Canada’s Sport Support Program, the Government of Canada is pleased to provide the Canadian Curling Association with funding for the 2013–14 fiscal year.”

The Canadian Curling Association is the national governing body for the sport of curling in Canada. The Canadian Curling Association encourages and facilitates the growth and development of curling in cooperation with its network of affiliates. It is also responsible for overseeing the Canadian national teams at world championships, as well as at Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The Canadian Curling Association is grateful for the contribution of the Government of Canada’s Sport Support Program as we pursue world-class results in our sport,” said Greg Stremlaw, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Curling Association. “Our curlers have represented Canada proudly on the international stage, and we appreciate the support of the federal government in making that happen.”

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. Sport Canada’s Sport Support Program has approved more than $2.5 million for the Canadian Curling Association through Sport Support for 2013–14. In 2012–13, almost $633,000 was provided through the Athlete Assistance Program to help 67 curlers with living and training expenses.

Asham Curling Supplies becomes Business Partner of CCA

(CCA) One of the world’s best-known curling equipment companies will become a Business Partner of the Canadian Curling Association, it was announced today.

Winnipeg-based Asham Curling Supplies will take a leading role in helping build grassroots development of curling as part of the agreement.

“The Asham brand is synonymous with curling, and it was a natural fit to work together with them on this partnership,” said CCA Chief Executive Officer Greg Stremlaw. “What’s most exciting about this agreement is that they will be active in promoting the sport at the club level and with volunteers, which is great news for the sport.”

Under the new agreement, Asham will take on title sponsorship of the CCA’s Business of Curling Program and Symposiums, which offer assistance and guidance to member curling centres as they continue striving to grow the sport of curling.

As well, the CCA’s National Volunteer of the Year award also will be sponsored by Asham, with the winner honoured in a joint presentation with Asham during the 2014 Tim Hortons Brier in Kamloops, B.C.

Additionally, members of the CCA My Curling Rewards program will receive a 15 per cent discount on all Asham products.

“We’re genuinely excited to form this partnership with the Canadian Curling Association,” said Asham Chief Executive Officer Harley Struth. “We particularly like the fact that volunteers are being recognized through this association. It’s volunteers who make our sport so special, and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of this important award.”