SUDBURY -- Curlers from across northeastern Ontario are gathering in Sudbury this week for an annual bonspiel.
The 19th annual CTV Northern Masters Curling Bonspiel is taking place at the Idylwylde Golf and Country Club in Sudbury.
Darwin Brunne has been competing in the tournament every year since it began.
"We’re the oldest team in the bonspiel, with the youngest being myself, at 79," says Brunne. "It’s been great. We’ve had a lot of fun. We’ve won a few games and we just keep trying."
This year, the tournament includes 32 teams, which organizers say is the maximum number allowed.
It is the third year that women have been included in the tournament.
"We allowed women to join our 'spiel and it’s been very nice," said Gilles Adam, a member of the tournament's organization committee. "In just a few years, it's generally picking up there. We’re getting more and more ladies interested in coming."
Brunne says that throughout the year, all of his friends on his team are paired with different players at other events. This is the only time the life-long friends are able to play together.
"In fact, I’ve never curled with this group any other time than at the Masters. So, for 19 years, we just hook up for this bonspiel," said Brunne.
The event is spread over three days.
While Team Brunne isn’t expecting to break any records, Darwin says they are already looking forward to next year.
"We’re going for the 20th, next year. There’s supposed to be more prizes next year! We might get one!," said Brunne.
