Veronica Mayne had a lot of fun at the first Educator’s Cup tournament.

            Although one of her team members was sick, her group from Englewood School in Crapaud continued to compete.

            On the first day, they won their opening match against Three Oaks Senior High School from Summerside, who were considered the favourites.

            The next day, they managed to bring a fourth person into the team and won the remaining two games.

            Despite being victorious, Mayne and the rest of the teachers were focused on having fun and playing well as a team, rather than winning.

            “(It’s) a huge component of what the Educator’s Cup is about.”

            One year later, the event is returning by popular demand, under the management of Nadine Walsh.

            Walsh is organizing the next edition of the Educator’s Cup curling tournament at the Crapaud Curling Club to provide an activity for educators to enjoy.

            The Grade 4 teacher came up with the idea about three years ago, shortly after joining the club as a member of its board of directors.

            The venue was looking for creative ways to bring new members.

            She said a fellow teacher told her about a former curling league for education employees at Silver Fox Entertainment Complex in Summerside, P.E.I.

            “(I) thought maybe we could have a spiel to spark some interest and some teachers to start curling again.”

            Walsh, who teaches at Somerset Consolidated School in Kinkora, P.E.I., saw a positive response to last year’s tournament from educators like her.

            Ten teams of four people each participated.

            She said she knew the tournament would return when she saw three schools enter multiple teams from each one.

            “Hopefully it’ll be something that continues for years and years.”

            She added the P.E.I. Teachers’ Federation supports the tournament through sponsorship.

            “We appreciate that sponsor money and that helps us run the event.”

            The games require players to be a school employee. This includes teachers, education assistants, principals and janitors.

            The second tournament will follow a two-day structure like the first one.

            It will start on a Friday evening with a curling game, followed by pizza, trivia and music.

            The rest of the competition will take place on the following Saturday, along with breakfast and lunch before a winner is announced.

            “(It’s) two days, three games and lots of fun in between,” Walsh said.

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            Mayne is one who enjoyed the experience.

            The Grade 2 teacher has a professional curling background, having participated in several national tournaments.

            She said while she often curls competitively, she enjoys how the Educator’s Cup is designed for others to have fun.

            “It allows everybody to have an experience when we’re out there together, and it doesn’t matter whether you make your two shots or don’t.”

           Mayne will not be able to participate in the second Educator’s Cup due to personal reasons.

           She said she is excited to see who will represent Englewood School at the tournament.

           “Our school wants to show face and hopefully take home the next trophy, so we will be there.”

           Mayne saw how the Educator’s Cup benefitted teachers like her last year.

           The games helped them build connections with other community members.

           They also provided relief from stress and burnout.

           She said it is important for educators to take time to enjoy activities like curling and the Educator’s Cup so they can share their experiences together.

           “Everybody can empathize with everyone. We all know what we’re going through.”

           Walsh has seen the impact the tournament has had as well.

           Many who participated last year had little experience in curling, yet still enjoyed taking part in it.

           Some teachers picked up the sport as a hobby after the event.

           Walsh said curling can be played at any age with any level of athleticism.

           “It’s a really good sport to bring a whole bunch of people together.”

           The second Educator’s Cup was to take place from Nov. 29 to 30, but was moved to March 2025, due to scheduling conflicts.

           Walsh wants to see educators take part in the event before March Break.

           “We’re hoping everybody will be eager to get out and have some fun with their co-workers before they take off on their break.”

           While the event is all about fun and sportsmanship, Walsh is also prepared to compete.

           Her team is set, and her school will host a staff Christmas party at the Crapaud Curling Club, serving as an opportunity to practice.

           She and her group are eager to play and win the tournament.

           “We’ve been registered and ready since day one.”

Veronica Mayne was a member of the winning team in the first Educator’s Cup tournament at the Crapaud Curling Club in 2023. She says it is important for teachers to take part in activities like curling so they can relieve stress and share experiences together. Blaine Auld photo.