Don Bartlett Curling Classic

An International Event

{August 2006}

The 7^th Annual Don Bartlett Curling Classic will be one of the biggest and most exciting competitive curling events ever held in this province. Taking place from Sept 28^th to Oct 1^st , 2006 at the Gander Community Centre and Gander Curling Club, this one will have it all.

It has become an international event, with the teams from China, Switzerland , Scotland, U.S.A. and of course some of the best teams that Canada has to offer.

This year will be a celebration of Newfoundland’s own Olympic Champions - the Brad Gushue Team, who will get an opportunity to show their curling skills before a home crowd. The other Olympic Gold Medallist, Honorary Newfoundlander, Russ Howard is also planning to be in attendance with his team. You've seen them on TV and probably met some of them but now you’ll have the chance to be up close and personal with the team that did Newfoundland and Labrador and the entire country of Canada proud just 6 months ago.

World Champions, Randy Ferbey, and Kerry Burtnyk will compete against last years Don Bartlett Classic runner up Shawn Adams and from BC, Pat Simmons’ team will make the trek across the country. These are just some of the teams that will entertain curling fans from around the province as they gather in Gander to hunt for the $20,000 first prize or at least a piece of the $64,000 purse that the Bartlett has on the line. The same can be said for the rest of the teams that will make up this years excellent field in the Men's Division. No automatic wins in this one!

If all of this wasn't enough to get you to grab that ticket to the Bartlett we have the ladies event back again this year and are hoping to increase the field and the competition again. With a guaranteed purse of $12,000 and possibly more depending on team entries this will add to the curling excitement and entertainment.

Don Bartlett himself has decided to take a year off from competition however he will be in attendance at his namesake event again this year. Tim Yeo and his ice making team will be back doing the ice as they have done for the last 6 events.

Tickets go on sale August 28 at the Gander Community Centre by calling 709-651-5927. Great hotel and ticket packages are available through Steele Hotels for those who need accommodations.