Dear editor,
On behalf of the Okotoks Curling Club and the 2016 WFG Masters Local Organizing Committee, I would like to thank the Okotoks and area residents who helped make our Grand Slam event ant overwhelming success.
Athletes from seven countries and visitors from around Alberta and across Canada came to our community. All reports indicate they thoroughly enjoyed the time they spent here. The atmosphere in the Pason Centennial Arena was great all week. The large and knowledgeable crowds all week were really appreciated by the athletes. They responded with some great performances and some very exciting games.
We would especially like to thank the 300 plus volunteers who worked tirelessly to show our visitors and the athletes what a great community Okotoks is to live, work or visit. We would also like to thank the Town of Okotoks who, as our joint host for the event, stepped up to the plate at every level to help us. We also cannot forget to thank the many businesses who helped with this event. This includes the 50 plus sponsors and the 100 plus suppliers. Without this assistance, events of this magnitude cannot be successfully hosted. Importantly, Special thanks to our Gold Sponsor, Okotoks Lincoln for stepping up early and assisting us on the journey that this event was.
With everyone’s help and support we were able to meet and exceed all of the goals that the Executive Committee had set for the event. In excess of 18,000 spectators took in the event at the Pason Centennial Arena and the total viewing audience over the 4 days of broadcast exceeded 1.9 million viewers throughout Canada and beyond. Without a doubt we showed everyone that Okotoks has the facilities, and the abilities to successfully host events of this scale.
As a long time resident, I have seen our community grow, however, we are fortunate that we still have that small town spirit of support and volunteerism. I personally look forward to other great events coming to our community in a variety of sports and entertainment.
As always, great job Okotoks!
Ron McLaren,
Chairman, LOC,
2016 WFG Masters
