Bid day for Ringette

The West Ferris Ringette Tween girls practice at Pete Palangio arena this week. These girls are all hoping to watch World Championship Ringette on ice rinks in North Bay in November of 2007. Photo by Chris Dawson.

April 1st, 2005 was a very sad day for the game of Ringette in North Bay and around the world. On that day, the game’s ambassador, Agnes Jacks passed away.

Now one year later, April 1st could be another significant day for Ringette in North Bay but this time on a very positive note.

The West Ferris Ringette Association will be making a presentation to the World Bids Committee in Longueuil, Quebec in hopes of convincing the panel that North Bay should be the host for the 2007 Ringette World Championships.

Bruce Jacks, the son of Agnes and Sam, believes North Bay would be a perfect fit for the World Championships.

“Knowing the effort my Dad the founder and my Mom the ambassador put into this it would be very special to have the worlds here in North Bay. It re-emphasizes the birthplace of Ringette and it would put us on the sporting world map and it highlights the city,” said Jacks.

That message is part of a DVD West Ferris Ringette Association President Jeff Francom will play as part of his presentation which also includes a message from Carole Laperriere, who played in the first ever game of Ringette on an outdoor rink in North Bay with three of her friends more than forty years ago.

North Bay is the smallest city bidding to host the event, however, the fact that the sport was originated here may be the biggest selling point. The three other competing cities are Ottawa, London and Kelowna.

The committee’s decision will be announced at the National Ringette Championships in Longueuil on April 8th.