2008 WORLD MEN’S CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS

GRAND FORKS, ND – The Local Organizing Committee of the 2008 World Men’s Curling Championship is exited to announce the following appointees have accepted positions for the event:

Donald F. Barcome, MD: Honorary President

Mr. John Aasand: Master of Ceremonies – Opening Banquet

Mr. Mike McNamara: Master of Ceremonies – Closing Banquet

HONORARY PRESIDENT

It is a tradition of the World Men’s Curling Championship to offer the title of Honorary President to someone who has made a major impact on the sport of curling. The Local Organizing Committee believes there is no one more fitting to serve as Honorary President than Donald F. Barcome, MD. As Honorary President, Dr. Barcome will be part of all official ceremonies and will help ensure that our guests from around the globe enjoy their visit to Grand Forks.

Donald F. Barcome, MD

Donald Barcome, MD has filled many roles within the curling community.

• Team Coach of the 1977 Junior World Bronze Medalists and the 1979 Junior World Champions
• Past President of the Grand Forks Curling Club, United States Curling Association and the World Curling Federation

OPENING BANQUET – MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Mr. John Aasand will preside as Master of Ceremonies over the opening banquet at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center, Friday, April 4 at 8 PM. Tickets are $50 each and are still available for purchase. Opening banquet tickets may be purchased by calling 701-777-6641 or at the Ralph Engelstad Arena main office.

Mr. John Aasand

John Aasand has had an exciting and long-lived curling career, locally, nationally and internationally. Mr. Aasand has also been the owner of the Extra End Bar in Grafton, ND for more than a quarter century.

• Member of the 1972 US National Men’s Championship team that lost on the infamous “kicked-rock” in the 10th end against Team Meluschuk, of Manitoba, Canada. This led to the “Curse of LaBonte,” where it was seven years before Canada won the World Championship
• A nine-time ND Men’s State Champion – (state record)
  

CLOSING BANQUET – MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Mr. Mike McNamara will preside as Master of Ceremonies over the closing banquet at the Alerus Center, Sunday, April 13 at 7 PM. Tickets are $50 each and are still available for purchase. Closing banquet tickets may be purchased by calling 701-777-6641 or at the Ralph Engelstad Arena main office.

Mr. Mike McNamara

Mr. McNamara is a visible part of the local community. With a highly-rated talk show and involvement in many charitable and civic organizations, Mr. McNamara has become one of the more visible Grand Forks residents.

• Host of MacTalk on KNOX Radio
• A Major in the US Marine Reserve with two tours to Iraq
• Grand Forks City Councilman, a husband and father of four