A combination of equitable play and fun continue to make the Super Seniors Squares the largest curling bonspiel held annually at the Cochrane Curling Centre.

Now in its ninth year, it offers curlers a chance to play against peers in their age group while enjoying a full schedule of social events.

Draws started this morning for the 140 participants, ages 53 to 93, that form 35 teams, and continue until Saturday. With only one game scheduled to be played in the evening, there are socials every night, each with its own unique theme, including a Friday night banquet.

“I think we found the recipe, which is lots of social stuff and not excessive curling,” says spiel coordinator Doug Campbell.

Still, all teams do see a lot of play spread across the four days.

“In ours, you’re guaranteed four games and those four games are played against four teams of equal age. So I’ve got 80-year-olds playing against 80-year-olds, not 55-year-old muscle-bound youngsters. It adds a competitive spirit and it’s also a lot of fun.”

There’s also over $4,000 in cash prizes up for grabs. Game winners earn $40 and if they win their square of four they receive $200. There’s a $100 cash prize for second.

This year’s registration is slightly lower largely due to the stirling event (two-person stick curling) being cancelled due to low registration. Still, the curling centre is packed with curlers from Airdrie, Black Diamond, Bragg Creek, Springbank, Calgary and, of course, Cochrane.

Besides the contribution of many volunteers, Campbell is also appreciative of the strong support received from local businesses.

“Our steering committee wishes to thank some 42 local businesses for the various donations,” he says. “In times when small business folks are stressed and stretched, we appreciate their positive support of a vibrant seniors population in the Calgary area.”