Gloucester Ringette Association
1998/99 Newsletter # 3
Once again we are pleased to bring you this third newsletter of the season, and the first one of 1999. The first part of this letter is dedicated to the Gloucester Ringette Association tournament, and the remainder to general association information.
Gloucester Ringette Association Annual Tournament
Golly, it's here! And once again it is a grand event. We have more than 100 teams playing over 225 games during the tournament weekend. That's over 1500 players plus coaches, parents, and spectators! We have teams from as far west as Alberta (3 teams in fact) and as far east as Nova Scotia (2 teams).
We would like to thank those people who responded to our call for volunteers in the last newsletter. Many hands make light work!
As in past years, your team has been assigned minor official responsibilities during the GRA tournament (clock, scoresheet, and penalty box). There are a large number of teams participating and it is not always possible to assign game times that are adjacent to your own child’s game. It is each team’s responsibility to ensure their assigned games are worked. Delays caused by the absence or late arrival of minor officials cause disruption and expensive delays in each game that follows.
Wanna Have Some Fun During the Tournament?
Come out to Blackburn Arena at 9:00am Saturday morning. There will be over sixty little players - 4, 5, and 6 year olds taking part in the bunny tournament! Why not grab a coffee, pile in the car and come and see our future stars from Gloucester, Cumberland and Metcalfe. Medal presentations immediately following the games.
We Want To See You and Your Mug During The Gloucester Tournament!
No - we are not talking about your better half. We are referring to the Gloucester Ringette Association coffee mugs that are on sale during the tournament. This year they are an exceptional value with a new low price of $3.00 - or get one for both you and your better half for just $5.00. Get'em while they're hot!! (Pardon the pun)
What?!?!? No Gloucester team in the Belle AA division?
You will notice in the tournament program that our Belle AA girls are not participating. This is because a significant number of these players are representing Ontario at the Canada Winter Games in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Best of luck to our players, and all members of the Ontario team!
Sponsors, Sponsors, Sponsors!
As you will see in the tournament program, local businesses have once again rallied and shown their support for the Gloucester Ringette Association Tournament. If you can, please support our sponsors, and take the time to tell them you saw their ad in our program. Let's show them our thanks - we need them.
Have you visited our website?
We have changed our website address. You can now find us at www.gloucesterringette.com. Drop by for a visit. Remember also that you can check on league standings at any time by connecting through our site.
Eastern Region Preliminary's
Congratulations to the Gloucester Tween A girls who won the gold medal and the right to participate in the Ontario Provincial Championships last weekend! In the Eastern Region Preliminary they edged the undefeated Clarence/Rockland team in an exciting finale in which both teams played superbly. Congratulations to Clarence/Rockland Tween A's on their silver medal performance as well. In other divisions - Nepean will represent the Petite A's, UOV the Junior A's, and Ottawa in the Belle A's. Good luck to all.
Dates to Remember
Feb. 18-21 Gloucester Tournament
Mar 6-7 Regionals (House League) – Upper Ottawa Valley
Mar. 13 League season play ends
Mar. 14-21 Ontario Ringette Provincials – Whitby
Mar. 22 League Playoffs start
April 10,11 League Finals – Cumberland
April 23 Volunteer Appreciation Dance (mark this on your calendar now!)
Springs Just Around the Corner!
As difficult as it may be to believe, spring and summer are just a couple of months away. Will your daughter be attending a summer camp this year? Why not think about one of GRA's summer programs? This year we will offer a number of options to suit everyone.
Mark your calendar now and submit your application before May 30th to take advantage of a $15 early registration discount. Brochures will be distributed to all teams in the near future, and will be available during the Gloucester tournament.
Scholarship Applications
Going off to college or university in the fall?
Did you know that GRA awards an annual scholarship in the amount of $500? It is awarded to a player who has made an outstanding contribution to the Gloucester Ringette Association as a player/and or as a volunteer. Details are available on our website, or you can be mailed all the necessary details by calling 830-9124. The deadline for applications is June 30th, 1999. Inquire now!
Speaking of Sponsors
OK - so we weren't speaking of sponsors…but if you happen to be on St. Joseph Blvd and need some shampoo (not sure why you might need shampoo on St. Joseph Blvd) why not drop by and support one of our sponsors - Jean Coutu Pharmacy. While you're in, try your hand at the break-open Nevada tickets - it doesn't cost a lot and net proceeds go to GRA.
Gloucester Ringette Association Annual General Meeting
Ever wondered what goes on at the GRA Annual General Meeting? Thought we just all stood around and - well you know…
Actually we tell you what we did with your $,
give you a chance to voice your opinion on operational issues, and you get to vote on the election of new members of the executive.
Our constitution requires that at least 30 members participate in the election of new members, and approve the operations of the past year.
Please join us this year. The meeting will take place on May 19th, 1999 at the Cyrville Community Centre - Main Hall. This is your association.