Each year the TCA recognizes an individual for his or her contributions to curling in the Toronto area. This award can be earned due to accomplishments on the ice or off the ice in an organizational or supportive role. It can be a combination of any or all activities related to curling. The award is presented each Spring by the TCA. If you would like to nominate somebody, please discuss with your TCA Representative or Club Manager and complete the forms below.
The Toronto Curling Association’s Outstanding Contribution Award for 2009 was awarded to Austin Palmer from Thornhill Golf & Country Club. This is the second time that Austin has received this award, although it has been over 25 years since his first award. He has been very busy in the curling community since then. A builder and a curler, this individual has contributed to his club, the TCA and the OCA and curling in general. As a member of his club’s board of directors, he implemented a seasonal membership for the curling section. This initiative ensured the continued growth of curling at his club. A past President of the TCA and a past member of the Board of the OCA, he has competed several curling competitions – The TCA Men’s bonspiel, OCA Governor General Provincial Championships, Seniors and Masters.
Aside from competing, Austin was instrumental in starting the TCA Junior Bonspiel as well as the TCA Sunshine Bonspiel, now known as the Melitta Bonspiel of Champions. Austin chaperoned Glen Howard and his team when they won a trip to Scotland in 1981 as the Champions of the TCA Junior Bonspiel.
This year he was part of the group that went to the Strathcona Cup in Scotland - an invitation only event that is extended only to curlers who have made significant contributions to the sport. And of course with Austin on the team, Canada won the cup. One of his most recent accomplishments is the founding of the Grand Masters Curling Association of Ontario in 2006. For male curlers over 70, this category of curling is growing every year with 45 teams competing in 16 zones this past curling season. No doubt Austin will continue to work hard to ensure that curling continues to grow and prosper in the GTA and beyond.
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