An Olympic gold medalist helped with the official launch of Sarnia's upcoming world-class curling event on Wednesday.
Kevin Martin was joined by local dignitaries at Sarnia Golf and Curling Club ahead of this fall's Masters event, the opening event of the 2020-2021 Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling season.
Martin said Sarnia Arena on Brock Street is a great spot to kickoff an important season of curling.
"I guess we're doing the launch today but the ticket sales are over half gone, so it'll be a terrific atmosphere. The field is the top 15 women's teams in the world, the top 15 men's, so you can't ask for a better field. It will almost be 50 per cent Canadian teams, maybe not quite, so you got the international flavour as well," said Martin. "It's a big time because of the fact that you're one year away from the Olympic Games, so the teams, they don't just come as a team and a coach, they come with the whole entourage and they run it like an Olympics."
Martin will be a part of the Sportsnet broadcast team for the tournament October 20 to 25.
Kevin Martin speaks to a crowd at Sarnia Golf and Curling Club.
The 53-year-old retired curler said the Canadian teams in the tournament will be in tough.
"[The international teams are] at least catching up if not even putting the signal light on and passing us, so we need to make sure we keep going, and you know that's been a conversation we've been having here in Canada, trying to at least keep up if not stay ahead."
Martin also hinted that he wanted to get a game in Wednesday at the local curling club.
"I didn't know it was eight sheets, actually, and the ice looks fantastic. I know they're a couple teams short here tonight in the men's league, so maybe we'll get a game in this afternoon."
Host Committee Co-Chair Ian Parker said the golf and curling club will be heavily involved with the tournament, providing a shuttle to and from Sarnia Arena, along with hosting a social event at the club for ticket holders. Parker also said they're still looking for volunteers for the event and those interested should contact Sarnia Golf and Curling Club.
For more information on the event, click here.