Jam Pail Bonspiel celebrates 60th anniversary in Medicine Hat

Michael Ractliffe, the city’s superintendent of recreation, said that this is “one of those sports that is accessible for pretty much everybody to play”.

“It’s really to do with the encouraging of participation into entry-level activities and recreation facilities and sports,” he said.

“A lot of the time, the cost of a sport can be a barrier. The lack of equipment can be a barrier,” he added.

“The Jam Pail is completely free to enter, and it gives everyone that wants to enter a chance to be exposed to that curling rink environment; with no need for specialized equipment, shoes, or brooms.”

The JPB will welcome students in grades three to six to take part in the sport that encourages “fun and participation”.

Feb. 19 will be focused on teams of grades three to four, while Feb. 20 will be for grades five to six.

All ages teams are also open to join, giving attendees the chance to play as a family.

Participants do not have to be from the same school to play on the same team.

Registration open for 60th annual Jam Pail Bonspiel until Monday. City of Medicine Hat

Ractliffe said that registration will make the event run smoothly.

“It actually really helps with the organization of the event, because it’s put into a competitive format, even though it’s just for fun,” he said.

“It allows us to arrange all the teams in advance and make sure that it runs smoothly,” he added.

“It just really helps that we do have team registration up in advance.”

For many students, the JPB has historically been their first introduction to the concept of curling.

by Jayk Sterkenburg

Jam Pail Bonspiel celebrates 60th anniversary in Medicine Hat

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