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 2010 was awarded to George Cooke from Donalda Golf & Country Club. George is President and CEO of the Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company as well as an active curler at Donalda Country Club. The Company currently provides insurance coverage to the CCA, CCA Season of Champions and OCA Events.
Dominion now sponsors the TCA Junior Bonspiel. Dominion supports several curling teams in their strive for excellence including Glenn Howard and Sherri Middaugh. In 2009 Dominion sponsored the Amethyst Curling Camp for Northern Ontario. Within our Toronto Curling community George hosts one of the most successful charity events in curling history – The Canadian Paraplegic Association Curling Classic. The event has been held at St. George’s each of its 9 years, this year raising $150,000 bringing the accumulated total to more than $1.1 million. Other events supported by George through The Dominion include the OCA Senior Championships, OCA Stick Curling Championships, North York Hospital Charity Bonspiel (Donalda), and many Club events under the Toronto Curling Association.
George’s number one contribution to curling to date saw him backed by Dominion to introduce a National Curling Championship for club-level curlers. It is known as the Dominion Curling Club Championships and commenced play in 2009 and culminated in the National Championship being contested at the St. George’s Golf and Country Club in November 2009. The Competition involved Men’s and Women’s Club Champions from 10 provinces, 3 territories and representatives from Northern Ontario. Imagine playing for a National Championship at the Club level. Dominion worked with Provincial and National curling bodies to ensure his initiative would add to the curling landscape and not be seen as a competitor with it. No doubt this Championship will continue for years to come.