The Riverton Curling Club is preparing to welcome the province’s top young curlers as it hosts the Curl Manitoba U18 Provincial Championships later this week, an event organizers say will create lasting memories for athletes and showcase the community’s strength and hospitality.
Team McPherson will be competing in the women’s division at the Curl Manitoba U18 Provincial Championships in Riverton, competing among the province’s top young curlers during the five-day event
The championship runs from Thursday, Dec. 18 to Monday, Dec. 22, with the top two teams in both the men’s and women’s divisions earning berths at the national championship. The field includes 10 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams, with approximately 90 athletes competing for provincial titles.
“We’re incredibly excited to be hosting this event,” said Shawn Magnusson, speaking on behalf of organizers. “Championships like this create lasting memories in these athletes’ lives, and being able to host an event they’ve been preparing for all year is truly exciting.”
Organizers estimate roughly 300 visitors per day will be in Riverton throughout the five-day event, with athletes and their families staying in the community and surrounding areas.
“The community is very excited to welcome people from across the province to our town,” Magnusson said. “Any time you have the opportunity to host an event of this size, it’s definitely a win for the community. Having the chance to showcase what our community has to offer is always a great feeling.”
Local sponsors have played a key role in enhancing the athlete experience, including the creation of a players’ lounge with food and entertainment for competitors to enjoy between games.
Opening ceremonies are scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. Admission is $50 for an event pass, $20 for a day pass and $10 for an evening draw, while children 12 and under are admitted free.
The event is supported by the RM of Bifrost–Riverton and local businesses in Riverton, Arborg and Gimli, along with the efforts of more than 65 volunteers.
“This event simply couldn’t happen without the support of our volunteers and sponsors,” Magnusson said. “With so much involved in hosting an event of this size, it would be impossible to do without their help. We’re fortunate to have volunteers from neighbouring communities as well as from Winnipeg.”
Magnusson noted that having former residents return to Riverton to volunteer speaks to the community’s character.
“Having people who have moved away return for this weekend truly shows how special our community is — even though they no longer live here, they still want to come back and support events like this.”
Recent facility upgrades at the Riverton Curling Club have also significantly improved the spectator experience. Magnusson said the upstairs viewing windows were recently replaced after more than 25 years of discussion, removing wire mesh that had originally been installed for fire safety and limited visibility.
“This would not have been possible without the support of the RM of Bifrost–Riverton and their council,” he said.
The club has also installed cameras on the ice, along with televisions both upstairs and downstairs, allowing spectators to follow the action throughout the facility. Magnusson said the improvements are the result of years of fundraising, including an annual auction held during the club’s men’s bonspiel, with most items donated by local agricultural businesses.
He credited Foster Ag, Enns Brothers, Shactay Sales, Sigvaldson Custom App, Corteva Agriscience, Nutrien, LF Custom and Janico Arborg for their support.
Local fans will have several hometown athletes to cheer for, including Johannes Magnusson and Julie Magnusson of Riverton, Jake Kowalchuk of Gimli and Luke Jonasson of Arborg.
“With local athletes competing in this event, there will be a tremendous level of community support,” Magnusson said. “These athletes are between 15 and 17 years old, yet they’ve already dedicated years of training and countless hours to their sport.”
While only one team will ultimately claim the provincial title, Magnusson said the community’s focus is on supporting young athletes and helping them create lasting memories.
“Our community will be there to support them — win or lose,” he said. “Nothing is more exciting for a small community than watching local kids showcase their talent while chasing their dreams.”
