The Club de Curling de Buckingham prepares for key events and regional collaboration

Tashi Farmilo

The Club de Curling de Buckingham is gearing up for a season of milestone events, cementing its role as a key player in Québec’s curling community. This year, the club will host its 9th annual mixed tournament from November 28 to December 1, welcoming 16 teams from across the province. As part of the regional mixed curling circuit, the tournament links Buckingham with other clubs in Chelsea, Thurso, and Maniwaki, offering teams the chance to earn points and compete for a spot in the grand finale at the Club des Collines de Chelsea on April 5, 2025. This highly anticipated event showcases the club’s commitment to fostering competition and camaraderie among regional curlers.

Alongside its tournament schedule, the Club de Curling de Buckingham will host an open house from September 30 to October 4, aimed at introducing the sport to newcomers and strengthening ties with the local community. The open house provides residents with a chance to experience curling firsthand, promoting the sport’s health benefits and encouraging broader participation. These outreach efforts are crucial for sustaining the club’s vitality and ensuring curling remains a dynamic part of the community’s sporting life.

The Club de Curling de Buckingham is also closely connected with the prestigious Club de Curling du Gouverneur Général (C.C.G.G.), which celebrated its 150th anniversary earlier this month. The C.C.G.G., one of Canada’s most storied curling institutions, held a four-day celebration in Ottawa from September 6 to 9, culminating in a banquet attended by nearly 170 people. The event honoured the club’s long history with special tributes, a visit to Rideau Hall, and the induction of 10 new members. Notably, Alain Deschâtelets, a Buckingham resident and outgoing president of the C.C.G.G., was one of four individuals recognized as a distinguished member. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening ties between the C.C.G.G. and clubs like Buckingham.

This relationship highlights a broader collaboration between curling clubs in the region. While the C.C.G.G. operates as an elite organization with a membership that includes former champions, coaches, and key figures in the sport, its connection to clubs like Buckingham ensures that curling traditions are preserved while also embracing modern developments. Through shared events and tournaments, these clubs work together to promote the sport’s growth, both locally and regionally.

As the Club de Curling de Buckingham prepares for its upcoming season, it continues to play an essential role in the Outaouais curling community. Whether through competitive events like the mixed tournament or community engagement initiatives like the open house, the club is ensuring that curling remains an accessible and celebrated sport for all.