Attracting curling teams from all over the U.S. and Canada, the 17th Annual Rocky Mountain Bonspiel will take place this weekend on May 1 – 3, 2014 at the Utah Olympic Oval.  This will be the first time in the event’s history that the competition will be hosted in Kearns, made possible by efforts between the Oval Curling Club at the Utah Olympic Oval. Event organizers expect 24 teams and over 60 athletes.

In partnership with the Ogden Curling Club and Park City Curling Club, this annual three-day curling competition has become a Utah tradition amongst curlers locally and throughout the mountain West region. The Rocky Mountain Bonspiel is sanctioned by the U.S. Curling Association and is open for enthusiastic curlers of all abilities. Originating in Scotland, this event is offers participants and spectators a taste of the exciting sport of curling. The competition is open to spectators and admission is free.

“We are excited to host this annual Bonspiel event for the first time and invite curlers from all over to compete in this legendary venue and experience true Olympic spirit,” said Lanny Derby, Oval Curling Lead Instructor.

Competition will take place on Friday, May 1 from 4:30 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. and on Saturday, May 2, from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. The event will conclude on Sunday, May 3 with competition from 7:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. There will be refreshments available and a beer garden sponsored by Wasatch Brewery during competition hours.

The 17th Annual Rocky Mountain Bonspiel will utilize the protocol of international Bonspiel events featuring a three game guarantee with awards for the top two teams in each of the four event brackets. Competitors will be using the official curling stones from the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The competition also features social and fundraising activities including a participant banquet, silent auction, raffle, and a “draw to the button” contest. Outside the official matches, individual curlers may compete in the Skills Competition and test their skills at Draw, Takeout, Come Around, Hit and Stick, Freeze, etc. and see how they measure up against other curlers.

Utah Olympic Oval offers Learn to Curl sessions for those interested in trying the sport for themselves. Learn to Curl sessions are available on Tuesdays at 7:30 P.M. for youth and adults at all levels. For more information about competitions, sport programs and future events at the Utah Olympic Oval, please visit UtahOlympicLegacy.org.