The organizers of the 2023 Bob Picken Open Masters Bonspiel (the BOBSpiel) have
announced the recipients of three junior development grants from the Bob Picken
Legacy Fund.

Thanks to the participating teams and the event sponsors, the fund grew again in 2023. As a result, it is possible to present $500 grants to Junior programs in three Manitoba curling clubs. While the grants will draw down the fund slightly, it is anticipated that the program will continue for several more years along with the early-season bonspiel.

This year’s grant recipients are the junior programs in the Winkler, Elmwood and
Portage Curling Clubs.
WINKLER: A 15-week Grades 5-8 program with 32 curlers. An early season focus on
skill development transitions into alternating practice weeks and game weeks later in
the season. The grant will support on-ice equipment upgrades and to allow for develop
of innovative ideas like a Triples FunSpiel.
ELMWOOD: A Little Rocks (16 weeks) and Bantam & Junior (20 weeks) program with
about 60 total curlers. Depending on age level, the focus is teaching the basics of the
game, skill building and games. The grant will support replacement of club equipment
such as short-ice hacks, acquisition of protective helmets for the little rockers, and
training for volunteers.
PORTAGE: Total numbers in the 90-100 range for Little Rocks (K – Grade 5), Junior
(Grades 6-8) and High School curling programs in conjunction with the Portage School
Division. The grant will support replacement of aging brushes and brush heads and
acquisition of sliders. It will also support outreach activity including a developing plan for
a Newcomers to Canada curling introduction.

With this year’s Bob Picken Legacy grants, a total of $6,000 has been provided by the
bonspiel and by Manitoba’s Masters age curlers for junior development in Manitoba
curling.