Vernon Nisei Curling History

In 1989, Vernon was asked to consider getting into the hosting rotation of the annual BC Nisei Curling Association bonspiel. Prior to 1989, the bonspiel circuit was hosted by Vancouver, Greenwood/Midway, Kelowna and Kamloops. The Greenwood/Midway jaunt had to be discontinued because only one curling rink was operating between the two towns.

So under the leadership of Jim Oshiro, a questionnaire was sent to the Vernon Japanese community for input and support in hosting the BC Nisei bonspiel, as well as seeking individuals interested in participating in the sport. As a result of the survey, the Vernon Nisei Curling League was formed with six teams.

Early executive members were: Jim Oshiro (Chairman), Terry Mori (Vice Chairman) and Agnes Sakakibara (Secretary/Treasurer).

Vernon hosted the 24th Annual BC Nisei Curling Bonspiel March 29 – April 1, 1991, at the Vernon Curling Club with 48 teams, including a team from Japan. Since then Vernon has hosted the bonspiel in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2012. In 2008 Vernon co-hosted the bonspiel with Kelowna and held it in Winfield as the World Women’s Championship was being held at the Vernon Curling Club.

There are still active Nisei curlers in Vernon, but numbers are not enough to support a Nisei league.