The winds of change blow perpetually.
In fact, the longer someone or something exists, the more likely the impact of those winds.
A sporting example would be the 30th annual SuperSpiel which is set for next weekend, January 20th to 22nd at the Port Elgin Curling Club.
Now first of all, any event that builds a 30 year history is obviously well managed, and the success of SuperSpiel through the years is undeniable.
But the winds of change have created obstacles for SuperSpiel.
Where once SuperSpiel enjoyed a weekend unto itself and served as a tremendous primer for the Ontario Men’s Championship, that scenario no longer exists.
With 16 rinks set to compete next weekend, it’s estimated that another half dozen potential entries are committed elsewhere at Ontario Curling Playdowns of one description or another.
So the winds of change have blown and today, tomorrow, or shortly, the organizers of SuperSpiel will announce a change.
Not an event departure, but a change, I’d guess a change in date likely bumping SuperSpiel forward on the calendar but we’ll see.
In the meantime, what is established for SuperSpiel 30 is a competitive field of 16 rinks, ” a pay-as-you-win format ” and $ 5,000 in cash to the winning rink.
That kind of reward and a 30 year event history suggests they’re doing things right in Port Elgin, but the winds of change may alter the dates at SuperSpiel.
I’m Fred Wallace