麻豆社区

Board desperately needs three new members to remain active

The Yukon Curling Association desperately needs three new board members to step forward if they want to continue serving as the sport's territorial governing body.

The gravity of the situation set in at last night's annual general meeting held in the

Sport Yukon boardroom when Wade Scoffin announced his intentions to give up his voting privileges on the board.

While Scoffin did say he would like to stay on as technical director, his departure from the board marks the fourth member departure this year for the association.

The board is now down to just three members, and needs a minimum of six to be

recognized as a governing body within the Canadian Curling Association.

"We're at a critical number now,鈥� said board member Lauren Muir. "We're at a critical juncture.鈥�

Current members include president Ellen Johnson, secretary/treasurer Sheila Stockton, and Muir.

Formed in 1990 as an amalgamation of the Yukon Ladies Curling Association and the former Yukon Curling Association, the current issue is a major one for the board.

The association governs curling for approximately 500 member curlers in the Yukon, providing funding and allowing entry to competitive curling bonspiels across the country.

The sport body also establishes and governs the rules and regulations for curling within the territory.

Johnson admitted it has been a challenging year for the governing body.

The loss of executive director Anne Copland in November followed by the departure of three board members has been a difficult pill to swallow for the non-profit sport organization.

"It is imperative that we get new members to allow the YCA to continue to act as a sport governing body,鈥� Johnson said.

"Our problem is we have a limited number of people to draw from. We need someone from the communities.鈥�

Curling clubs affiliated with the Yukon Curling Association include Atlin, Dawson,

Mayo, Teslin, Watson Lake and Whitehorse.

Johnson stressed that the development of representation from outside Whitehorse is important, as issues of perceived conflicts of interest have arisen in the past year with events like the Arctic Winter Games and mixed curling championships.

A new board member would need to commit to a one-year term, with minimum responsibilities of attending one meeting a month.

Attending meetings via teleconference methods is an option for out-of-towners or those with family commitments, Johnson said.

Executive director Linden Mattie pointed to the small population of the Yukon as a significant disadvantage when it comes to finding new volunteers for positions such as these.

The association hopes to have persons interested in hearing more about board member positions attend its next meeting, scheduled for Monday, Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Sport Yukon boardroom.

Curling interests can be matched to positions within the association, Johnson said.

No members of the public attended last night's annual general meeting, which added to the discussion of the serious need for more community involvement.

Alongside these discussions, the board discussed and approved last year's financial reports and a budget for the upcoming season.

Last season, the association ran a profit of $8,030.33, due in large part to the executive director position remaining unfilled until late spring, a late order of new jackets, and a forgotten grant of more than $1,200 from True Sport.

Johnson also brought forward her response to the elimination of curling at the 2016 Arctic Winter Games in Greenland.

She did pen a letter to deputy premier Elaine Taylor and also urged the Canadian Curling Association to write a formal letter of support.

Scoffin contacted the World Curling Federation and they have expressed their concern to the Arctic Winter Games' International Committee.

While the board is facing serious challenges, excitement is once again brewing for a new curling season in the Yukon.

As temperatures once again begin to dip below zero, curlers across the Yukon are looking forward to breaking out the brooms.

The ice at at the Whitehorse Curling Club is expected to be installed by this Sunday. Curling will get underway the following week.

"I'm anticipating another eventful year,鈥� Johnson said.

Scoffin presented a technical report to the board, and discussed his efforts to introduce wheelchair curling as a viable option of recreation in the northern territory.

"The program has maintained momentum into this year,鈥� he said. "We'll see where that grows.鈥�

Partnerships and programming were facilitated with the Whitehorse club to provide wheelchair curling as a service on a long-term basis.

A variety of early-season workshops and clinics are scheduled for this weekend and early October.

On Sept. 29-30, the association is offering a CCA/NCCP certified coach workshop.

A Prepare for the Podium junior development clinic for 16-20 year olds will take place Oct. 6 and 7 at the Whitehorse Curling Club.

Then on Monday, Oct. 8 the Whitehorse club will host a Ladies Clinic for those looking for an introduction to competitive curling, or to take their game to the next level.

For more information on the season or upcoming events, visit www.yukoncurling.ca.