The 2012 Canadian Horseshoe Pitching Championships were held from July 11-14 at Nutana Curling Rink in Saskatoon. There was a total of 110 participants with 7 provinces represented as follow: B.C. (32), Saskatchewan (31), Alberta (30), Ontario (12), Manitoba (4), New Brunswick (1). Some of them arrived earlier to take part at the AGM held on Tuesday July 10th. The official start was given with the opening ceremonies Wednesday, July 11th morning. A heat wave went through the region during the championships played under hot and humid conditions.
The following champions were crowned in 8 divisions:
Men’s – Colin Finnie, Kenaston, Sask. (60.9%)
Women’s – Jane Cordingley, Airdrie, Alb. (59.4%)
Elders – Alvin Nanninga, Neerlandia, Alb. (61.0%)
Senior Men’s – Stan Leis, Waterloo, Ont. (43.6%)
Senior Women’s – Lia Snell, Dashwood, Ont. (44.1%)
Jr Boys – Mathew MacDonald, Cobblehill, B.C. (38.1%)
Jr Girls – Lindsay Hodgins, Duncan, B.C. (32.9%)
PeeWee – Dalton Thomas, Victoria, B.C. (8.3%)
Media coverage was excellent at the Canadians held in Saskatoon. There were articles carried in the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix and other newspapers. There was also TV reports from CBC and CTV, along with another excellent video available on Youtube courtesy of “Glova On Demand”.
The championships concluded on Saturday July 14th with the finals, banquet and awards. Colin Finnie, who went on to capture his 9th Canadian Men’s title, was also inducted into the Horseshoe Canada Hall of Fame as an outstanding pitcher. After the award presentations to the various winners, we proceeded to formal transfer of the “Silver Shoe” showing the hosts of the annual championships, from Saskatoon to Belleville. Thanks to our hosts, the sponsors, the volunteers and Horseshoe Canada for another great event!
Colin Finnie (from CTV video)
