As the chair of the 2012 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, I am overwhelmed with appreciation for our sense of community and the pride each of you put into making this first-class national ladies curling championship one of the best in history. On behalf of our entire executive team, we’d like to express our gratitude.
Too often we emphasize on what went wrong; the bad news travels like wild fire, but when credit is due, credit is due. . . ..
From the host committee, to the volunteers, to the sponsors, to our city — we pulled together and created a welcome and an event like no other. Red Deer — I am proud of you!
If you are part of Westerner Park — managers and employees — you were fabulous! You worked so givingly with our volunteers. Some of you directed traffic with more spunk than imaginable, others made sure everything was clean. You never stopped working or smiling — well done!
If you were one of the 52 local sponsors, you generosity was bar none — the best! From your endurance of attending every draw, to supporting the HeartStop Lounge, to helping us out with final details — we appreciate it.
If you were one of our 528 volunteers, who gave endless hours, who came from coast to coast (literally), some of you had your own blog pages. (The words of one: “ I had a terrific time with no stress! One night I schmoozed, lifted a few, danced some and met some interesting people.” “This is the most fun I have had volunteering,” The blogs were simply a delight to read.) You made such a difference.
A big thank you to Alberta Massage School Therapy, who kept our volunteers going with much-needed massages and who showed up in a few of the blogs.
If you were one of our 98,000 fans — wow! You came through snow and slippery roads to make this the best curling event ever. You were colourful, exciting and created an atmosphere that makes an event. Bravo!
If you were the lady in the grocery store who apparently had little interest in curling but saw Team P.E.I. shopping and bought them lunch: You made their day. Those unexpected acts of kindness were so welcoming and make me so proud of our community and city.
If you were part of any of the live entertainment during the event, just let me ask: when are you coming back? What a show! Roger, Stu, Kevin, Zakk and a whole host of other people — well, what can we say, you know how to create atmosphere and entertain.
If you were a local business that joined in on the “Show Us Your Heart” promotion or were a supplier of Kruger Products (Scotties Paper) … your displays were amazing!
If you were part of the Cool Shots Tournament and/or representing the Innisfail Curling Club, you embraced the challenge beyond the potential we had originally seen.
Whether you were directly involved in the Scotties or not you did contribute to the success of our event. Red Deer made each guest attending the Scotties feel welcome.
Yes, we had surprises, but they were welcoming ones. The odd hiccup is to be expected with each handled respectfully and the overall goal of getting it done.
The ‘ice’-ing on the cake: Team Alberta being crowned 2012 Scotties Tournament of Hearts champions! We wish them all the best at the Ford World Women’s Curling Championship in Lethbridge, March 17 to 25 — bring it home, girls! We would love to announce that Alberta is home to the Canadian and world champions.
Forever grateful,
Sherri Ryckman, Chair
Bob More, Vice-Chair Hosting
Tracy Bush, Vice-Chair Volunteers
Lyle Trieber, Vice-Chair Facilities
2012 Scotties Tournament of Hearts
Red Deer
