Armstrong’s Hassen Memorial Arena is receiving considerable support in a national contest for a $25,000 renovation grant.

Armstrong’s Hassen Memorial Arena is receiving considerable support in a national contest for a $25,000 renovation grant.

Hassen arena leading the pack

Support has been incredibly strong for Armstrong’s bid for a spot in the Kraft Celebration Tour 10 in 10 contest.

As of today more than 625 people had nominated Armstrong’s bid to win a $25,000 renovation grant for the Hassen Memorial Arena and to have TSN do a live Sportscentre broadcast from Armstrong.

Askew’s Foods in Armstrong, the city and the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce have also thrown their support behind the project.

There are 35 other communities in B.C. vying to be one of the 10 chosen centres along with Armstrong, and Ladysmith, on Vancouver Island, is the only community with more than 100 votes.

“The goal was to try and get our project viral, and that has happened with people posting us on their Facebook page,” said Armstrong Coun. Ryan Nitchie, also an Askew’s employee who has spearheaded the promotion.

“We’re doing exceptionally well.”

One person has supported a nomination for the Enderby Arena and Curling Club.

The Kraft Celebration Tour is open to all Canadian communities.

The list will be pared down across the country to the top-60, then the top-20, with the 10 winners selected by a one-day online vote (date yet to be announced).

The top-10 will get $25,000 each and a visit by TSN in August, which would also be perfect for Armstrong as such a visit would come just a couple of weeks before the start of the Interior Provincial Exhibition, the city’s annual fair which draws more than 100,000 visitors during it’s five-day run.

The Hassen Memorial Arena is used extensively during the IPE, hosting a trade fair and craft exhibits.

To support Armstrong’s bid, visit www.kraftcelebrationtour.ca/tour and search ‘Armstrong.’

 

The Hassen Memorial Arena is a 60-year-old recreational facility that has hosted some of Armstrong-Spallumcheen’s most memorable sporting and cultural events.

 

 

Vernon Morning Star