A partnership deal between Curl Sudbury and Northern Credit Union will secure the future of the sport in Sudbury the two organizations stated in a Sept. 26 news release.
The $60,000, three-year partnership will see facility enhancements and equipment upgrades to the six-sheet ice pad, community event space and lounge area at 300 Wessex Drive. It will also see the 130-year-old rink be renamed the Northern Credit Union Community Centre.
"This partnership will fund renovations to the lounge, washrooms and change rooms, as well as energy efficiencies and equipment upgrades. Every member and guest will benefit from these changes," said Tom Leonard, ice maker and manager of Curl Sudbury, in a news release. "Most of all, it will also allow us to focus on growing the game of curling and making it more diverse, equitable and inclusive."
Thanks to the partnership, the renamed Northern Credit Union Community Centre will host recreational and competitive curling leagues during the winter, then play host to indoor pickleball and roller derby during the summer. The facility is also available to rent for private and community events.
"This investment is about building communities by providing opportunities for people to come together and promoting accessibility, inclusion and sportsmanship," said Liisa Woolley, senior vice-president of member experience at Northern Credit Union. "Strong communities come from relationships that develop when people can be together. Ultimately, this is what this investment, and the game of curling, are all about."
The Wessex Drive rink welcomes more than 300 annual members and 1,800 weekly visitors.
