The Manitoba Curling Association has named three rural Manitobans and a media personality as this year’s additions to the list of Honourary Life Members - individuals who have served the sport and the Association in various ways.

Brandon’s Bill Campbell, JoAnne Inglis of Portage, and Carroll Thompson who has been a dedicated servant of the sport of curling in both Killarney and Thompson were all recognized for their efforts. In some cases the contributions have been as a club and zone level volunteer. In other cases, the contribution has extended to include terms on the Manitoba Curling Association Board of Directors. BOth Inglis and Thompson served on the MCA's Management Committee.

Global Television’s Joe Pacucci was also named an Honourary Life Member of the association in recognition of his coverage of curling since moving to Manitoba in 1982.

The announcements were made at the MCA Annual Meeting, May 31 at Fort Rouge Curling Club.

The New HLM's are pictured with retiring broadcaster Bob Picken, and outgoing MCA President Dale Brooks. Both are long-time MCA HLMs in recognition of their service to the sport.

L-R: Pascucci, Picken, Campbell, Inglis, Thompson, Brooks

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At the meeting, Rose Neufeld assumed the position of President for the Manitoba Curling Association for 2008-2009.

Neufeld acknowledged there are challenges ahead in filling two senior staff positions and a number of Director positions that remain open. However, Neufeld called these opportunities to re-evaluate a range of policies and procedures.

“We do championships very well,” Neufeld said in her opening address. "We have to remember that the majority of people involved in the sport are not playing at that level.”

Neufeld especially emphasized the need to focus continuing efforts on development and on the juniors who are the future of the sport.

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Bob Cox has resigned as a member of the MCA Management Committee. Cox had served four years of a five year term after many years as a member of the former MCA Men's Association Council and more recently of the MCA Board of Directors. He was defeated by Rose Neufeld in the election for Vice-President. Russ Hinds has agreed to serve out the final year of the term.

The MCA has been unable to fill one male position on the Management committee which currently comprises
President Rose Neufeld, Marlene Mori, Cindy Maddock, Jean Garboinsky, Sharon Thiessen-Woods, Vice President Jim Strath, Jim Winfield, Rod MacKay, and Russ Hinds.