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Hey Rainbow Rockers! Curling season is approaching fast and we have some more reminders and updates for you. Reply to this email if you have any questions!
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-Events-
Openr and 25th Anniversary Kick-Off
- Complete registration: Submit your final payments by cash or tap.
- Mix & mingle: Meet up with returning curlers and welcome new members.
- Food & drink: Enjoy a cold beverage and complimentary pizza.
- League updates: Hear about the changes coming this season and visit executive tables.
- New member orientation: Get a quick tour around the club.
What to expect for the 25th season kick-off:
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- Help us kick off a season of celebration and hear about celebration activities.
- Celebrate several of our original members from 25 years ago.
- Celebrate our past league champions.
- Celebrate our winning nationals teams.
- Celebrate the awarding of an Honorary Lifetime Membership to Patrick Peloquin.
Beginner/Refresher Clinics
The league will be holding two Beginner/Refresher Clinics prior to the start of the season. These sessions are intended to cover basic delivery mechanics, sweeping technique, game rules, and on‑ice safety procedures.
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These clinics are mandatory for all new curlers to ensure participants understand the safety expectations and fundamental skills required for league play. So save the dates!
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Participants may attend either session:
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- Thursday, October 1 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm
- Saturday, October 3 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Both clinics take place before the first scheduled games on October 4. Additional details will be provided in the September newsletter.
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If you have questions about the clinics or are unable to attend either session, contact Ethan at [email protected].
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-News-
Registration Fees
Full season registration fees are due by September 17. This season’s fees have increased to help reflect updated operating expenses and ensure we can continue to run a sustainable league. We’re also adding two extra games to the schedule, giving teams more time on the ice and helping balance out the fee change. The fee is $255 per person, or $185 for 5th players. If you've already paid the $50 deposit, your remaining balance is $205 (or $135 for 5th players). You can pay in person (card, cash, or cheque) at our pre-season social event Openr on September 17. If you’re unable to attend, payment can also be made via e-transfer to [email protected]. As always, reach out to a member of the Executive for any questions regarding payment support and flexibility.
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Bye Request Update
Bye requests for the first round are due by September 10. Take a look at the full season calendar to get your team organized!
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- Request Form Online: Bye requests for this season can be submitted on the league website instead of by email. Please visit the website to complete the submission online (Members > Submit Bye Request) or visit the form directly.
- Deadlines: The deadline for Round 1 bye requests is Sep 10th. The online submission form is open for bye requests for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounds as well, and their respective cut-off dates are listed.
- Who can submit: Only the team skip or one designated member should submit requests. Limit one submission per round. There is an option to update an initial submission.
- Priority: We process all 1st-choice bye requests across the league before reviewing 2nd-choice requests. There is limited flexibility in the round schedule, so not all 1st and 2nd choices may be able to be accommodated.
- Alternatives: Besides bye requests, to resolve scheduling conflicts, consider using a 5th player, calling a spare, playing with three, rescheduling, or forfeiting. See the league's rules and regulations for details.
Buy/Sell Equipment
League members are responsible for having their own equipment to play (i.e., curling broom, curling shoes or slider, gripper, etc.). There is a Goldline store in Nepean (210 Colonnade Road, Unit 1) or you can order online. We strongly recommend replacing your gripper each year.
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If you’re looking to find a new home for some of your old equipment, or are a new curler looking to buy used equipment, we invite you to take advantage of the RRCL “Buy/Sell” spreadsheet that can be accessed from the RRCL website.
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-Get Involved-
Pride Recap
Showing up in our community, especially for Pride season, is so important for demonstrating that inclusive sport is possible and thriving. This visibility also helps us build networks, attract potential sponsors, and strengthen the long‑term sustainability of the league.
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Our participation at the Atlético Ottawa Pride Game was made possible thanks to the coordination of Sean Addis, one of our Bonspiel Chairs. Sean organized our activation booth, where we connected with fans, shared who we are as a league, and helped build awareness of inclusive curling in Ottawa. We are grateful to Atlético Ottawa for their generous $1,000 donation to our league, supporting our ongoing work to create welcoming spaces in queer sports. Thank you as well to Bill Joyce for stepping in to help at the event.
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At the Capital Pride Street Fair, our booth was staffed by dedicated volunteers who made the day possible. Thank you to Marshall R, Neil M, Kathleen D, Wesley F, and to Robbie Atchison, our Promotions Coordinator, for organizing and supporting this important visibility effort.
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We know volunteering isn’t easy. People are busy, schedules are full, and we consistently struggle to find volunteers. We deeply appreciate everyone who took time out of their lives to help Rainbow Rockers this Pride season. Your efforts directly support the future of our league!
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Support Our League
We have a variety of opportunities throughout the season from supporting league events to helping with our annual Over the Rainbow Bonspiel.
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If you’re interested in getting involved, here are the main areas where we’re looking for help:
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- Bonspiel Support: Help out for a specific part of planning for our January Over the Rainbow Bonspiel. No monthly meetings required. Contact Laura and Sean at [email protected].
- Event Support Teams: Pitch in for 3-4 hours at one of our league events during the 2026-27 season. No prep work needed. Just show up and help run things on the day of. Contact Russ for 25th anniversary activities, Robbie for social events, or Kevin for banquets depending on the event.
Whether you can give a few hours or take on a small coordination role, your support makes a real difference. Volunteering helps us stay visible, build connections, and keep the league thriving for everyone.
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-Follow Us-
- League Facebook group
- Over the Rainbow Bonspiel Facebook page
- League Instagram account (rainbowrockersottawa)
- Over the Rainbow Bonspiel Instagram account (otr_bonspiel)
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Copyright (C) 2026 Rainbow Rockers Curling League. All rights reserved.
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