Curling For A Cause

Gary Scherle shows off the tournament trophy.

It’s winter, so that means there are two things that the citizens of Regina can be sure of. There are some side streets in need of serious ploughing and the curling season is just starting to get interesting. With playdowns for many clubs coming up right around the corner, and practice sheet time at a premium, it is nice to see there are some people in the curling community who can take time out of their busy schedules for a greater good. One such member of that community is Gary Scherle, who is currently getting things ready for the annual Mighty Geese Charity Classic.

Putting on this bonspiel is no easy feat, and not something that Scherle can do all by himself. “It is a lot of work, it takes a lot of help from friends and family to put it on” said Scherle. Finding a club that’s able to provide the number of sheets needed for this tournament is also an issue this time of the year.

Enter Scott Comfort. Comfort, manager of the Tartan Curling Club, was able to provide a home for the bonspiel this year, but it did take some work. “We’re booked solid for every Saturday night...so for a big event like this it was kind of hard to squeeze it in” said Comfort. It didn’t hurt that Comfort was already aware that the tournament had been running for a few years prior. He was the manager at the Callie Curling Club last year, where the tournament was held. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about the event,” he said.

The reason the event is so well received is because it’s a project that’s close to Scherle’s heart, so there is extra effort put into it. Scherle says the motivation behind starting the tournament and wanting it to be the best experience possible for all is because his mother, Darlene Scherle, suffers from MS.

“We’ve been participating in the MS walk every year, and we just thought it would be a creative way to raise money” said Scherle.

When it comes to supporting charities such as the MS Society, Comfort also believes that it’s an important thing to be a part of.

“We always try to do whatever we can for charity...and it’s nice to have someone else showing some initiative” said Comfort.

After the first tournament was completed in 2006, Scherle knew that he had started something special. “It was something that we knew was going to continue on for many years”, he said.

To date the bonspiel has raised over $6,000 for the MS Society; this year Scherle expects to raise at least $2,500. As the years pass, and the bonspiel continues to grow—as is hoped—this will certainly mean more money headed to the MS Society.

This bonspiel is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. With each game comprised of just three ends, players from all skill levels are encouraged to enter. It doesn’t matter if you’re Al Schick or Al Bundy, everyone is welcome. Teams are required to come up with a team name and the more outlandish the better. Teams are also encouraged to wear costumes; creativity is appreciated.

The fourth annual Mighty Geese Charity Classic will take place on Feb. 28, 2009. The format consists of an A, B, and C side. The first draw commences at 6:30 p.m. sharp and the tournament concludes when the last rock is thrown in the A-side final.

Cost per team is $120, or $30 per player for a four-player team. All teams are guaranteed three games. There are door prizes, a raffle, a silent auction, and a 50/50 draw with all prizes provided by local Regina businesses.

The top prize this year is an official NHL hockey stick signed by Calgary Flames all-star Robyn Regehr. For more information contact Gary Scherle at 529-2765 and gdscherle@hotmail.com.