A Trip to The Tim Horton's Brier

A couple of years ago my daughter and I attended the Tim Horton's Brier in Hamilton. While sitting in the stands, me with my extra large double cream Tim's coffee and my daughter Rachel with her large Tim's hot chocolate we saw a couple of performances by elite curlers that probably went unnoticed by most others. The performances I think show why our sport is one of the best ones to both participate in and watch.

From what I could understand there was a contest held for young people to write an essay about why they liked curling. The winners of the contest won an opportunity to become an honourary member of the various Provincial teams. Glenn Howard and all of his team mates were absolutely excellent with the youngster. She was meant to feel as part of the team and her smile was contagious.

Secindly, John Morris from Alberta took time prior to his afternoon game to sign autographs and also have his picture taken with a family which appeared to be mom, dad and 3 sisters. One of the young girls had brought a small plush toy of some sort to give to Morris, I suppose for his team to use as a good luck charm or mascot. When Morris was finished with his autographs and picture taking he took the toy and made sure that it had a prominent position at his coach's table behind their sheet. The young girl seemed thrilled. Morris then disappeared under the seats and came back a minute or so later and called the young girl back to the side boards and gave her one of his playing shirts. She immediately put the shirt on over top of her coat and was just beaming. I felt a shiver go up my spine. My daughter (a junior curler) was beaming too, as if she had just received the shirt as well.

What a great afternoon, Tim Hortons warming up our bodies and these great curlers warming our hearts.

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