Aboriginal curling championships just around the corner

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If you're thinking about entering a team in the 2002 National Aboriginal Curling Championships, organizers have one word of advice to you-register soon to avoid disappointment.

The deadline for teams to enter is March 15, but with only a limited number of spots available in each category, the sooner registrations are sent in, the better.

This year's curling championships will take place March 28 to April 1, with competitors from across the county expected to take part.

This is the tenth running of the National Aboriginal Curling Championships, hosted each year by the Metis Nation - Saskatchewan (MNS), and the Metis National Council. The championship takes place at the Hub City Curling Club in Saskatoon.

Although the event is marking its first decade, Martin Aubichon, one of the event organizers, said nothing special is being planned for this year's competition to commemorate the occasion.

"It's always special," he said. "It's just like a Brier to us."

"We're just glad that we're doing something for the Aboriginal people," Maynard Whitehead, another of the event organizers, said of the annual competition. "Something for the kids to look forward to. Because we have our junior division, which is full every year, which is just great for the future of our event."

A maximum of 46 men's teams can be accommodated at the championships, with a limit of 20 teams in the women's category. A maximum of 12 junior's teams will compete-six junior men's, and six junior women's teams for competitors 20 years of age and under.

The entry fee for men's and women's teams is $250, and $100 for junior teams.

The grand opening ceremonies for the championship will be held on March 28 at 9 p.m. in the curling club lounge, and a banquet and dance will be held on March 30 at the Army and Navy Vets Hall. Advance tickets for the banquet and dance are $10.

There is no charge to come out and watch the curling championships, but spectators are encouraged to get there early, as the curling club fills up quickly.

For more information about the National Aboriginal Curling Championships, call Maynard at 384-8153, Martin at 554-2182.