Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling Tour Challenge got underway in Cranbrook’s Western Financial Place last night with a brief opening ceremony followed by 10 teams opening bonspiel play.

Ktunana Nation Council Chair Kathryn Teneese opened the Nov. 8 – 13 challenge with a traditional welcome. Also on hand for the opening ceremony were Kootenay-Columbia MP Wayne Stetski, Kootenay East MLA and Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett and City of Cranbrook Mayor Lee Pratt (all pictured below).

Launching the bonspiel in Western Financial Place were: Sweeting (Alberta) versus Middaugh (Ontario); Rocque (Alberta) versus Ogasawara (Japan); Carruthers (Manitoba) versus Thomas (Alberta); Koe (Alberta) versus Morris (B.C.); and Carey (Alberta) versus Flaxey (Ontario). Teams are photographed in action below.

Three rinks also got underway kitty-corner at Memorial Arena, as well, where action will run until Friday, Nov. 11.

Curling action is now in full flight at both city facilities, with playoff rounds scheduled for Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 12 and 13). Action is being broadcast nationally by Sportsnet.

Tier 1 schedule

Tier 2 schedule

For ticket purchase and information.

Please click on an image to enlarge and to begin self-directed slide show…

Photos by Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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