MCA Bonspiel becomes 'Manitoba Open'

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Published on Thursday, October 17, 2013

myWestman.ca

For the first time in its 125 year history, female and junior curlers are encouraged to enter what is considered by many to be the longest running bonspiel in the world.

Curl Manitoba announced on Thursday that the MCA Bonspiel is now "The Manitoba Open", a rebranding intended to encourage all curlers in the province to participate. There are now two opportunities to participate in the 256 team, six-game guarantee Manitoba Open -- which still offers four berths into the Safeway Championship -- as the new format also has a new 64-team halfspiel, which guarantees participants three games.

In a release issued to the media on Thursday, Curl Manitoba says more leagues, clubs and bonspiels are operating on an 'open' principle, with all players welcome to participate.

"Since the two associations (MCA and MLCA) amalgamated in 2000, there has been discussion of one bonspiel serving all curlers in Manitoba. The decision was made to continue the tradition for the 125th anniversary event and then make the change," stated Curl Manitoba.

The Manitoba Open bonspiel takes place Jan. 16-20 at the Winnipeg Curling Clubs.

To enter, go online to curlmanitoba.org. Cost is $320 a team. Entry deadline is Jan. 2.