At the conclusion of the 107th edition in 2020, the longest consecutively held curling event in North America closed the book on an era that was steeped in a rich and colourful history and one that entertained at least 5 generations—of male curlers. The 108th edition, held in 2023, marked the first year the event included women, adopting an open format for the first time.
Unsurprisingly, the women threw themselves into the spirit of the bonspiel, fully enjoying all that the event has to offer. Not only that, but Team Swept Up skipped by Melanie McBride from Collingwood, became the first mixed team to compete for the Grand Aggregate.
It goes without saying that all the women were rookies, but they were not the only first-time participants in the bonspiel. At 176 strong, the rookie cohort of 2023 was one of historic proportions.
There were over 350 participants registered for the 108th edition, more than double that of the 107th. On the strength of the resurgence of interest in the event, the organization was able to secure long-term sponsorship from Ver-Mac and Huplasso that will ensure the financial security of the bonspiel for at least the next 5 years.
Through 100 years of curling, there have been many milestones achieved and recognised. The 101st edition of the QIB witnessed its second 8-ender in our history! Congratulations are due to:
Don Chabot, Drew Symonds, Don Meyer et Ron Schwartz of the Walkerton Welland team.
Special mention should also be made to the Turtles who witnessed the occasion from the same sheet!
Curling Quebec awarded an Honourable Mention for the excellence of the 2013 Centennial edition of the Quebec International Bonspiel.
Mr. François Vary, member of the board of directors of Curling Quebec, is seen here presenting the commemortive plaque to Michel Fortin, CEO and Bruno Letarte and Derek White, Co-Presidents.
