Featured Curling Athlete: Chris Rees

Chris Rees, of Toronto, Ontario, won a bronze medal at the 2003-2004 Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship in Toronto – and he’s been building a solid list of on-ice achievements ever since. The 2011 Ontario Provincial Wheelchair Curling Champion has participated in the national championship eight times, winning three bronze and one silver. He also skipped the 2008 Ontario team that won the first ever John McCrae Trophy – awarded to the winner of the match between Ontario and Northern Ontario at the national championship, held that year in Winnipeg. Curling out of Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club, Rees volunteers at the grassroots level as well, encouraging new curlers at Learn-to-Curl camps run by the Ontario Curling Association. Birthplace:  London, England Hometown:  Toronto Curling Club:  Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club Current Team:  Ontario Position:  Skip Delivery:  Right   Quick Hits with Chris Rees Do you have any superstitions? “No, but I am quite partial to my ratty old glove that has seen me through many tough competitions, and my stick. I have tried other sticks but always come back to my tried and true stick.” Three people, living or not, whom you would invite to a dinner party. “Russ Howard, Richard Branson, Jennifer Aniston” If you could be a star in any other sport, what would it be, and why? “Golf….Despite the fact Churchill said golf is a way to ruin a good walk, I think it would be great to be paid to play a sport where you get to spend a lot of time outside in great weather and beautiful scenery.” If you could change any rule in curling, which one would it be, and why? “Make it a summer sport…nothing better than being in a cold rink in July heat.” What music do you like to listen to before a game? “I tend to be too busy to listen to music before a game. I have a pre-game routine and need to gear up.” Favourite: … Website?  “Wheelchaircurling.com” … Order from Tim Hortons?  “Large double cream” … Vacation destination?  “Australia” … Junk food?  “It’s hard to pass up a good French fry” Do you have any pet peeves? “Too much dressing on salad” Three things you always travel with? “Toothbrush, insurance, ipod” First thing on your Bucket List? “Travel the world” Favourite pastime between draws? “Resting, warming up and refueling” One thing most people don’t know about you? “You have probably seen my work and never known. I edit local and National news for CBC television.” What is the biggest misconception about curlers? “Competitive curlers are indeed athletes, even though some people think curling is a game not a sport.” Your ideal shot to win an Olympic gold medal: “If I had to throw a shot…it would be a draw to the four-foot with backing.”