2024 Curl BC Awards Success Story
The Kamloops Curling Club (KCC) succeeded at the 2024 Curl BC Awards! We are proud to announce that two of our members were the recipients of two prestigious awards this year. This recognition underscores the club's commitment to excellence and dedication within the curling community
The Annual Curl BC Awards recognize and honour individuals, teams, volunteers, organizations, and businesses for their outstanding contributions to the sport of curling in British Columbia. This year’s winners were announced during the Annual General Meeting in June.
For the Performance Awards category, Luci Tremblay was awarded the Wally M'Lot Official of the Year, recognizing her achievements as a curling umpire or referee.
"Curling has always been a part of my life", said Luci Tremblay, who began playing when she was young, as she was the sportiest of her three siblings. She has always loved the sport, from the afternoons she spent at the Curling Club of Grand-Mère to her Kamloops journey.
Luci was awarded the Wally M'Lot Official of the Year for officiating multiple events and building a positive rapport with her peers, local host communities, athletes, coaches, and staff across B.C., often being described as a team player, organized, and someone who clearly communicates the rules to all stakeholders.
Upon receiving this award, Luci said, “First of all, I am honoured and surprised to have been chosen.” She dedicates this honour to all the volunteers who supported her during the championships.
Luci further expressed her gratitude and thanked her curling mentors, coaches, and the people at Curl BC.
"I cannot ignore Ted Anderson and Phil Mackenzie, who pushed me to go further and gain confidence in my role as a Deputy Chief. A special thought for Nick Atamanchuck, with whom I often work tournaments,” she expressed. “I also owe a debt of gratitude to Dianne Barker, who was always there to encourage me, explain what I did not understand, and always include me in the circle of high-level referees.”
Being part of the curling community in Kamloops has allowed her to connect with a lot of different people. Luci has officiated/volunteered/worked and more, five Canada Strauss, Brier, Scott Tournament, several Provincials, and the last Mixed Worlds in Kamloops. She also coached the Special Olympique and a Blind team for many years. In 2005, Luci received the John Matheson commemorative plaque from KCC for curling volunteering.
On the other hand, as part of the Long & Exceptional Service Awards category, Melanie Kopytko received the Elsie Mackenzie Youth & Junior Curling Program Volunteer of the Year Award. This award recognizes individuals who have provided extended and dedicated service to the youth and junior curling programs within a club, region, or province.
While she did not grow up with a curling background, Melanie got involved in the sport when her children started playing.
"Many people gave their time and expertise and supported my children when they started curling. I wanted to get involved in giving back to the community and create a junior curling program that would continue to grow the sport,” she said.
Melanie was nominated for her volunteer mentorship, increased participation and retention programs, and enhanced communication within the club and community to promote curling.
Starting out, she would help and volunteer, making hot chocolate, taking attendance, working closely with registration. As her children thrived, she became involved with the Thompson Okanagan Inter City, then high school curling, and so forth.
"In general, I love running events. The U15 RockFest in 2019 and the Special Worlds Qualifier in 2021 were great experiences as well,” added Melanie.
Reflecting on her curling accomplishments, she mentioned, "I was just one of the many people who run our junior program. I am proud of the program that we run out of our club, and watching our junior numbers come back after COVID speaks volumes of the work that our volunteers put into making sure curling continues to grow in Kamloops."
She is excited to have been a part of and introduced Adult Learn to Curl a couple of seasons ago. This year, the club is launching a new Novice league for curlers with less than 5 years of curling experience.
Celebrating 75 years of KCC and the rich history of Curling in Kamloops, Melanie shared her plans for the celebrations.
“We are planning to add touches of the 75th celebration to a junior open house, a media and VIP luncheon at the club, a special Curing Day in BC, and capping it off with a 75th Anniversary Gala in November,” she expressed.
We are incredibly proud of our members and their accomplishments and can't wait to grow this community to promote curling at all levels. Congratulations to everyone involved in these remarkable achievements!
