CURLSASK, Bunge partner for women’s provincial curling championship

Saskatchewan's provincial women's curling championships will include a new title sponsor as Bunge takes the mantle after acquiring Viterra.

The women’s provincial curling championships, which will be taking place this year in Melville, will have a new title sponsor.

CURLSASK announced on Wednesday that Bunge, who bought Viterra, will be this year’s sponsor of the tournament, which is also known as the Prairie Pinnacle.

“As we look ahead to another incredible season of championship curling here in Saskatchewan, the Prairie Pinnacle has quickly become more than just a championship,” said Steve Turner, the executive director of CURLSASK.

“It’s become a celebration of excellence, community, and the power of sport to bring people together. The momentum continues today as we proudly share that our title sport partnership is evolving as well.”

This year, they’ll focus on growing the game for the younger audience, and to demonstrate wheelchair curling on the ice as well.

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“The youth are obviously the grassroots of the sport. It is so important to have such a rich history here in the province, you can’t go anywhere in this province without finding a small-town rink in small town Saskatchewan,” Turner said.

“With the support like Bunge has been able to give us, we were able to help spread that message and get as many kids trying curling for the first time.”

The two organizations have been partners for 12 years now, and credit their collaboration on community events on why they’ve stayed together for more than a decade.

“Through partnerships like this, we hope to continue making a positive impact on our local communities and our people,” said Kyle Jeworski, CEO of Bunge’s North American sector.

“We’re pleased to partner with CURLSASK and look forward to building on our long-term success and our relationship and celebrating the many milestones and moments that the Bungie Prairie Pinnacle will have in the years ahead.”

The Prairie Pinnacle takes place from Jan. 5 to Jan. 11, and the winning team will move onto the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Mississauga, Ont.