Time to Start Planning for MCA#125

With the recent announcement the Canadian Classic Grand Slam event will not be returning to Winnipeg for a few years, and the fact that there is no other major curling event set for Manitoba in the next few years, it seems obvious to me the time is right to start talking about the 125th anniversary MCA Bonspiel in 2013. NO - it's not too soon to begin the planning.           

In 1988, the 100th anniversary bonspiel attracted 1,280 teams and people said that would never happen again. I'm not convinced it can't happen and I suggest it is time to talk about it. Maybe in the end, a decision would be made not to aim that high. For starters, however, it seems to me it is my job to lay down the challenge. Don't tell me the reasons why it couldn't happen. Think about the opportunity the 125th Bonspiel creates for Manitoba Curling. Think about 1,280 teams coming from all over the world to take part in an event this big. Of course, there would be challenges - but anything worth doing is worth dealing with the challenges.

I know, I know - the Highlander, Civic Cal, Winter Club, old Thistle and some other clubs no longer exist. So we're a little short of ice compared to 1988. The solution to that one seems simple to me.

** Put together a Brier/World Championship style transportation plan and use every available sheet of ice within an hour's drive of Winnipeg. Now what does that give you. Portage =8, Carman = 5, Morris = 6, Steinbach = 4, Ste Anne = 4. There's 27 sheets of ice..and there are lots more clubs in that radius to work with. The transportation service would get you to the rural club and bring you home so driving isn't an issue.

** Challenge the drawmasters to build a draw where you would play a pair of games in one of those rural clubs when you made the trip - then you wouldn't be asked to make the trip again.

I believe it can be done. I need someone to tell me why it can't before I'll surrender.

Then, think about the opportunity to use the 125th as a way to build the next two. Guarantee a team that plays in the 123rd next year that they'll have a spot in the 125th and a small discount on the entry fee. Guarantee a team that plays in the 124th the year after that they'll have a spot in the 125th and a small discount onthe entry fee. And, if they play in both events before the 125th, give them double the discount.

Go to the teams who played in the 100th - and give them a discount on the entry fee for the 125th if they enter this one with 3 of the 4 players from their 1988 team.

Think of the Manitoba curlers living all over Canada, and the world, who would come back to play in the event. A huge 125th MCA Bonspiel is possible.

So there's the challenge for Curl Manitoba - but the Directors and staff need to think outside the standard structure. Think about the volunteer force which is available to run a Brier or a World Champion. Think about the same kind of committee structure. Think about the challenges - but think about the opportunities.

I, for one, would sign up today - as a volunteer and I'd also enter my team tomorrow, if the opportunity were presented.

I welcome comment at rocktalk@mts.net  OR my opinion@thecurler.com .