Team Homan and Team Jacobs, crowned as the 2026 Olympic curling bronze and gold medallists respectively, will go head to head here in Port Elgin in The Battle this September.
The Battle will see the two teams compete in three games over three days, while a second event, an 80 person curling Camp, will take place over the same period.
The Battle and The Camp were conceived by a group of curlers at an evening get together over a year ago. They had been organisers of the Tankard and Scotties in 2022 and 2023 and were looking for another event that would capture the community. Reportedly, in the clear light of the next morning each was thinking, “OMG, what have we done?” Today however, innumerable meetings and no small amount of effort later, and with Homan and Jacobs both Olympic medalists, that trepidation has turned to anticipation and excitement.
The following are a few of the milestones to date:
1. The essence of The Battle was the combatants. Happily, both Team Homan and Team Jacobs accepted the proposals. The bonus came when both went on to become Canada’s Olympians, and ultimately Bronze (Team Homan) and Gold (Team Jacobs) medalists.
2. The Port Elgin Curling Club Board listened to the groups proposition and not only supported the event but came on as a Platinum Sponsor – an encouraging vote of confidence.
3. Bruce Power, the backbone of our economy, saw merit in the concept and became the title sponsor, not only injecting basic funding, but lending the gravitas so essential in the effort to attract other sponsors.
4. The request to The Town for use of The Plex for one whole week was approved unanimously by Council, that use being at no cost! Each member of Council was genuinely excited, recognising what the ’22 and ’23 Tankard and Scotties had brought to Saugeen Shores, and that likewise, The Battle would bring a projected $900,000 in economic impetus to the community.
5. Curling clubs in Grey/Bruce were approached to work on the project and all 14 joined in the mission to promote the event. Based on contribution to ticket sales and sponsorship, all will share in the proceeds.
6. The economy is in a cautious mood however, sponsors have come on board with both cash and in kind contributions, now in excess of $200,000. The organizers refer to them as the lifeblood of such events.
7. Glenn Howard, Jill Officer, former world champions, and Port Elgin’s own Kate Hagen accepted invitations to instruct at The Camp. Each brings not only success at elite levels, but a wealth of teaching experience. They will be complemented by instruction from each member of both the Homan and Jacobs teams.
8. The goal of The Battle and The Camp is to raise funds for charity and for club infrastructure improvement. Curling Canada, the game’s national administrative body, supported this goal and has provided at no cost, all materials (i.e. carpeting, bunting etc.) required to set up such an event.
9. Over one hundred volunteers have come on board, a majority from the Port Elgin Curling Club, but many from other clubs as well. Nine volunteers have taken on important committee leadership roles.
10. Finding a space on the calendar for The Battle was a hurdle, as event dates had to weave between Curling Canada and Grand Slam of Curling events. In the end, the September 25th to 27th dates not only worked, but The Curling Group, the company behind The Grand Slam of Curling, became a supporter, and their Rock Channel has become the streaming platform for The Battle. The Battle will have over 1M views.
11. The Battle organizers tackled marketing via a blend of social media, press releases, newspaper ads, commercials on Bayshore radio stations, printed posters and cards, banners, and on-site event (Tankard/Scotties, Tournament of Hearts) marketing. It has worked. As of this date over 600 of the available 850 Battle tickets have been sold, and the 80 person Camp is sold out with a waiting list.
12. Plans are being put in place to stage a fun, memorable experience, including audience engagement, player/fan engagement, and entertainment. The Battle and Camp will be unforgettable for fans, campers and the players.
Saugeen Shores has established a reputation for “best ever” events. The Battle and The Camp will stand out as a noteworthy contribution to that legacy.
The Battle Steering Committee
Doug Flowers Maurice Wilson
Dave Middleton Barbara Wilson
Jan McGarry Trevor Raynsford
Adel Middleton Stu Silcox
