Press Release - June 30, 2011

Joyce Myers Trust Fund curling scholarships and grants announced

The trustees of the Joyce Myers Trust Fund, established under Curl Atlantic from profits from the 2003 Brier and the 2005 Roar of the Rings curling events in Atlantic Canada, has announced the 2011 recipients of its Student/Athlete Scholarships and Curling Club Capital Works and Curl Atlantic Member Association Program Initiatives grants.

The 2011 Scholarship recipients ($1500 per province) are -

Prince Edward Island ($500 each): Sarah Fullerton, Amanda MacLean, and Jeffrey Taylor

Nova Scotia ($500 each): Michael Brophy, Amanda Colter, and Colten Steele

Newfoundland and Labrador ($500 each): Jennifer Cunningham, Amanda Rumboldt, and Colin Thomas 

New Brunswick ($750 each): Andrew O'Dell and Spencer Watts.

The 2011 Capital Grant recipients are the Caribou Curling Club (NL), Cornwall Curling Club (PE), Middleton Curling Club (NS) and the Moncton Curlers' Association (NB). Each club will receive $1500.

The 2011 Program Initiative grant will be used to license the "Rocks and Rings" elementary school program throughout Atlantic Canada. "This joint initiative between Curl Atlantic and the Canadian Curling Association (CCA) appears to fit well with the intent of junior curling development of the Joyce Myers Trust Fund and with Curl Atlantic", said Roy Hodder, Chair of Curl Atlantic. "The Rocks and Rings program is a great way to introduce and bring curling to the school setting. The program has received much attention during the televising of the CCA’s championship events, and is hugely popular across the country and in great demand."

Backgrounder:
The Joyce Myers Trust Fund is an Atlantic Canada initiative to foster the development and promotion of the sport of curling throughout Atlantic Canada.

The Trust Fund, which was established from profits from the 2003 Nokia Brier and 2005 Tim Horton’s Roar of the Rings, provides funding for the development of curling in Atlantic Canada through grant opportunities for Curling Club Capital Works projects, Student/Athlete Scholarships, and Curl Atlantic Member Association Program Initiatives.

The trustees of the Joyce Myers Trust Fund announced plans for future investments in the sport of curling for Atlantic Canada and released its first grants during the 2009-2010 curling season.

Joyce Myers was inducted into both the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame and the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame as an athlete and a builder. Joyce's accomplishments as an athlete, administrator, coach and official made her one of the most versatile and impacting persons in Nova Scotia sports. Her passion for sport and the countless hours she contributed to many individuals and events has left a lasting impression. Joyce was a true inspiration and mentor to many.

Capital Acquisition Grants
The Trustees of the Joyce Myers Trust Fund created the Capital Acquisition Grants as a means to assist member curling clubs within Atlantic Canada with capital projects. Expenses that are of a special and/or extraordinary nature will be eligible for funding. In other words, programs and initiatives that are both unusual and occur infrequently; they are not part of the regular, day-to-day operation of the club. Listed below are a few possibilities:

The repair, replacement, purchase or construction of a curling facility or part of a curling facility. For example, the repair or replacement of a curling club roof;

The repair, replacement or purchase of a plant asset or piece of equipment. For example, the repair or replacement of ice making equipment.

The purchase of special curling equipment. For example, the purchase of little rocks for a junior curling program;

Exempt from funding are any expenses of an operational nature. For example, membership dues, utility and tax bills do not qualify.

Scholarships
Curl Atlantic has implemented a scholarship to curlers who have enrolled in full time studies in a post-secondary institution. The intention of these awards is to allow talented athletes to devote primary sources of time and energy to training, rather than extensive employment in order to fund post-secondary education. Recipients will be expected to devote a full-time, shared commitment to sport and education exclusively. This award is not intended to reward past achievements but rather a means to pursue further achievements that surpass the current level of performance. Priority will be given to athletes attending Atlantic universities, colleges or vocational schools.

$1500 is allocated per province, divided among the recipients.

Contact:
Helen Radford, Curl Atlantic, 902.497.6655 or curlatlantic2001@gmail.com
Website: CurlAtlantic.com