New indoor curling rink officially opened

Southland MP Joseph Mooney throws a stone at the new Alexandra Curling Rink. Mr Mooney was on...
Southland MP Joseph Mooney throws a stone at the new Alexandra Curling Rink. Mr Mooney was on hand to officially open the new indoor curling rink last night. PHOTO: SHANNON THOMSON
Stakeholders large and small involved in bringing IceInLine’s new indoor curling rink to fruition were celebrated at the official opening in Alexandra last night.

The opening came almost a month after the rink opened to the public and was the chance to toast its success with those who had been both involved financially through to those who had been more hands-on in the construction process.

IceInLine chairman Murray Miller said the official opening was a chance to bask in the success of the rink and celebrate ‘‘all the people who have thrown something in’’.

In attendance were representatives from Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, and Lotto NZ, businesses, contractors and other contributors to the project.

New Zealand Curling president Graham Sinnamon had the honour of cutting the red ribbon.

The celebrations were large in scale, catering for about 80 people, Mr Miller said.

Earlier in the day, Southland National MP Joseph Mooney labelled the rink a great community asset as he tried his hand at throwing stones on the indoor rink for the first time.

"It’s addictive, I’d quite like to give it another go."

Last night’s celebrations were followed by a tournament featuring 12 teams from across Central Otago and as far away as Dunedin curling on the new rink, rotating between curling outside in traditional Scottish crampet style with all teams having the opportunity to curl in hack style, inside.

Fifty curlers were scheduled to be on the ice from 1pm to 6pm.

Tomorrow, a tournament will be played in hack style on the indoor rink.

jared.morgan@odt.co.nz

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement