Elks, Royal Purple host curling championship

By Rob Vogt
The Stavely Arena was turned into a five-sheet curling rink, complete with purple rings, as the community welcomed the Elks and Royal Purple Canadian Curling Championship last week.
The event ran from March 23 to 25, attracting 17 teams in three events.
The event began with the opening ceremonies on Thursday, March 23.,
Piper Steven DeGraaf and RCMP Constable Chris Vitek led the parade of dignitaries and teams into the arena.
Dean Steeves, chair of the organizing committee, was the host for the ceremonies, welcoming everyone on behalf of the Stavely Elks #112 and Stavely Royal Purple Elks #99.
“We all will have the opportunity to make new friends on and off the ice,” he said.
Steeves recognized DeGraaf and Vitek, then asked that everyone take a moment of silence to honour two fallen officers from the Edmonton Police Service, Constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan, who were recently killed in the line of duty.
The opening ceremonies also featured the throwing of the first rock, which carried added significance this year.
Steeves explained that last August the lodge lost Brother Ian Sundquist who was a strong fixture and ambassador for his beloved Town of Stavely.
Sundquist joined the Stavely Elks on June 17, 1969 and was an esteemed and respected member for 53 years.
He was an exalted ruler in 1991, deputy of District 4 in 1996 and district deputy of District 14 in 2008.
“As you all know, the secretary of an organization is the catalyst that holds it together as well as the force that keeps it moving forward,” Steeves said. “Brother Ian was that secretary…for over 30 years.”
He then invited Colleen Sundquist, Ian’s wife, to throw the first rock while their granddaughter Dakota held the broom and grandsons Jace and Colby swept.
Steeves concluded by recognizing all the volunteers from Stavely, Claresholm, Nanton and High River.
“(They) have helped us open this event with style,” he said.