The 56th Atlantic Curling Medspiel will be held at the Greenwood Curling Centre March 1 to 3. While it is a sports tournament with teams competing for the trophy,the Medspiel has always emphasized the social aspect of the event, and building comradery within the shared medical care community represented in the competing teams’ members.
The 2024 event is shaping up to be a success, as 16 teams from around the Maritimes are already registered, with availability for an additional eight. So far, most teams, consist ofserving or retired members of the Royal Canadian Medical Service, with some civilian health care workers and other first responders rounding out the field. Participation is expected, as always, from organizations affiliated with medical care. This year, the Medspiel welcomes current and retired members of the Royal Canadian Medical Service and the Royal Canadian Dental Corps, and Public servants and contractors in these units; CAF and civilian health care providers; CAF, civilian and volunteer firefighters; RCMP, Military Police and municipal police force members; search and rescue members, including Royal Canadian Air Force, Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), the Canadian Coast Guard, and ground SAR; and/ or family and friends of those listed above. Player skill ranges from seasoned curlers to first-time participants.
Sergeant Neal Benvie, a medical technician in Halifax, and Captain Jeff McRae, with the Search and Rescue Test and Evaluation Flight in Greenwood, offered to take on the long-running event last spring, when volunteer Paul Perry (26 Canadian Forces Health Services, at 14 Wing) stepped down, having been the primary organizer for over 20 years. Benvie and McRae know they have big shoes to fill but, thankfully, Perry is graciously continuing to advise.
Friday draws kick off at 4 p.m., with the Canadian Military Wives Choir Greenwood joining curlers with the opening ceremony national anthem.
Team registration is $200, which includes a guaranteed three games, prizes for the top eight teams, a Friday social with food, a live band and dancing, and a Saturday potluck and trivia night. For information on the tournament schedule and registration, contact McRae, 902-824-2608, or Neal, 902-957-0660; email medspielatlantic@gmail.com, or check Facebook @Medspiel Atlantic.
