“You don’t stop playing because you grow old; you grow old when you stop playing,” goes the old adage. On Nov. 21 and 22 the Valley’s veteran curlers proved they haven’t stopped as the Abbotsford Masters Curling Club hosted the 25th annual Zone 2 80+ Bonspiel. Altogether 48 curlers, men and women all over 80 years of age, took to the ice at the Abbotsford Curling Center. The 12 teams from Abby and neighbouring communities each played three games over the two days. Collectively the players represented over 4,000 years of life experience.
Abbotsford’s Cliff Christianson, Gerry Forsythe, Don McMillan and Jim Mossop emerged victorious, claiming the Art Shaw Trophy. The impressive opening ceremonies featured piper Steve Gallagher leading the parade of curlers and local dignitaries onto the ice. George Whatley, 92, opened the bonspiel by delivering the first ceremonial rock to the broom held by Gladys Banks. The bonspiel saw the renewing of old acquaintances and the rekindling of long rivalries.
Organizers thanked Art Heppner and his planning committee and the many sponsors who supported this unique sporting event.