Chris and Lorne Hamblin were recognized at the Manitoba Legislature this month for their years of dedication to bringing world-class curling to southern Manitoba.
Chris and Lorne Hamblin were honoured by Midland MLA Lauren Stone (centre) at the Manitoba Legislature this month for their dedication to the sport of curling
MLA for Midland Lauren Stone honoured the couple for their work with the annual DEKALB Superspiel held at the Morris Cargill Curling Training Centre, acknowledging their overseas coaching with Switzerland and China as well as the DEKALB and some of its history during the legislative session.
Her remarks included an introduction of Mathew Norris as the new chair of DEKALB and named all attendees present in the gallery at the Legislature that day, many of whom played significant roles over the years in making the Superspiel a world-class event.
“Lauren called us about a month ago,” shared Chris Hamblin. “She wanted to acknowledge the work we have done for the DEKALB. We were surprised to be recognized and very happy to use this opportunity to raise awareness about the upcoming event.”
The Hamblins were presented with a certificate thanking them for their many years of service and dedication to the sport of curling in Manitoba and worldwide.
The DEKALB Superspiel is the only World Curling Tour event in Manitoba and offers one of the higher purses outside the Grand Slam events.
“The event provides an opportunity for curlers to compete against other top curling teams,” explained Hamblin. “It is especially important to give local curlers the chance to test themselves against curlers from outside the province and country without the expense of leaving the province.”
Over the years, the event has made Morris a destination for many elite, international competitors in conjunction with the benefits of the club’s high-quality ice and the training centre owning Canada’s only Rock Thrower.
“We are proud that the Morris Curling Club has been able to host such a prestigious event,” Hamblin said. “We love having the opportunity to showcase our community, the hospitality from all our volunteers, and believe the economic impact is in the hundreds of thousands each year.”
For the Hamblins, the DEKALB has created lasting connections.
“We have met many wonderful people throughout the years. This includes sponsors that have become friends, volunteers that we wouldn’t otherwise have met, teams from all over the world.”
The 18th annual Dekalb Superspiel takes place in Morris Nov. 27-30 with curling teams from New Zealand, Canada, the United States, the Philippines, China, and Korea competing.
