Heritage Inn Classic Singles. June 6th to June 9th.

By Kevin Rushworth
TIMES FILE
Players from around the world will soon travel to High River for the 37th International Shuffleboard Association (ISA) World Championship, and local organizers are eagerly anticipating their arrival.
Ken Wardley, vice president of the Foothills Shuffleboard Association (FSA), said they initially applied to the ISA two years ago and received confirmation of the town being the host site in October 2016.
The competition takes place at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex from July 15 to 20.
“One of the biggest things is certainly having the exposure of shuffleboard in High River (and) hopefully we’ll have a lot of spectators who will watch this international play,” he told the Times.
As reported, the club received support from Wayne Anderson, Highwood MLA, MP John Barlow and the MD of Foothills. The Town of High River granted the use of the small ice arena for free.
Wardley said the club received assistance from Janelle Kennedy, community development coach, when applying for a provincial grant. He added they may not hear about funding until after the tournament.
Teams from places such as Japan, Australia, Brazil, England, Ireland, Germany, Norway, Austria, Vietnam and the Netherlands will likely participate in the tournament, according to Wardley.
He said they hope ISA newcomers China, India and Russia will play in High River as well.
Prior to the tournament, Wardley said people from across Canada had expressed their interest in the event. They contacted club officials about volunteering for the upcoming tournament.
“This is phenomenal,” he said, noting the event is in good hands with 50 volunteers. “Volunteering is alive; it’s there. People want to help, they want to promote the town.”
Wardley said the Calgary Airport Authority donated two hospitality rooms for two days. He added this ensures players are comfortable as they wait at the airport for the bus—which runs twice a day.
If the bus is en route—or just left—he said they can leave their luggage in the room and relax.
Wardley said the bus will take players directly to the Heritage Inn Hotel and Convention Centre. The first day of the competition, July 15, is a practice day and the opening ceremony takes place July 16.
A bus is also available to shuttle players from the hotel to the recreation complex.
Regarding the competition, there will be both men’s and ladies’ play, Wardley said. Teams will be participating for gold, silver and bronze medals—as well as the world’s best title for 2018—he said.
“We have one fellow here on the United Nations team,” Wardley said, referring to shuffler Dave Crucq.
In addition to raising club awareness through upcoming international play, he shared that FSA members continue to strive to attract new players—including youth members.