by Melissa Soligo former Scotties champion and an Olympic Bronze Medalist

February is my favourite time of the year. Sure it's my birthday month, but more importantly it is the month to watch the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

My energy and enthusiasm levels increase as this week gets closer.  If I had my way, everyone who loves curling as much as I love it would get a week of holidays from work just so they could watch this remarkable showcase of sport.

When I first started curling, I always dreamed of playing at the Scotties. Back then (no, not that long ago) it was all about winning the championship. Fortunately, throughout my curling career, I participated in four events, winning one.  Little did I know, that many years later, I would discover the true meaning of the STOH and how it would be etched in my heart and mind forever.

The Scotties is the big show in which all girls dream of participating.  It is made up of an assortment of people who all have a hand in ensuring that the performance goes off without a hitch.

I took it for granted as an athlete that I could just show up and play. I had no idea what went on behind the scenes. As a player, I never realized what these people really do, what they meant to me then and more importantly, what they mean to me now. 

So let's first meet some of those who make it all happen.

The Competitors

These are the hard-working, enormously dedicated women who spend countless hours training and practising. These women continuously demonstrate their passion for the sport. They exhibit athletic excellence through physical training, mental training, technical and tactical training, team building, and overall wellness.   They strive for common goals. They are the athletes. And soon they will become your friends.

The Coaches

These are the reliable individuals that dedicate limitless hours assisting others in trying to reach their goals.  They are meticulous in their planning and are the first to share their knowledge and expertise to those who want it.  They celebrate the victories and learn from the defeats.  They are the unconditional contributors to our sport.  An athlete will never forget her first coach or her last. It is a relationship that will be branded in an athlete's heart forever.

The Volunteers (all of them)

These are the conscientious and hard-working people who never say no.  They share in the enthusiasm of curling.  They offer their services no matter what the job or how many hours they need to contribute.  Some of the volunteers are at the forefront, and some are behind the scenes working tirelessly to ensure the most perfect, professional environment is created, both on and off the ice. 

The Sponsors

Where would we be without our sponsors?  It is our sponsors who make it all happen. They provide the resources to create the big show.  They are wholeheartedly committed to the event.  They provide us the ability to create a class-act environment where the show can take place.

The Essentials

The icemakers and the officials, through their unyielding efforts, assist in making this an exceptional event.  The media brings you the pictures and the stories from around the arena.  They help showcase our sport across the nation, creating an educational and entertaining presentation. 

The Fans

Yes, you.  Where would we be without the support that you give our sport?  You provide an energetic atmosphere in which the athletes can compete through the cheering, the cowbells, and the getups.  So, to all you fans, let's get that wave going every day.

So what does it mean to be a part of the STOH? It means everything.  I have been fortunate enough to be a player, a coach, a team leader and now a members of the media at this most incredible event.

The Scotties has created a lifetime of memories for me, and allowed me to make hundreds of new friends I will keep throughout my life.  This time of year is a reunion that only those involved with our great sport would understand.  It has filled my heart with a lasting impression of what sport and what the STOH is all about. 

Times have changed (especially the fashion and hair) since I first stepped on this national stage in 1989.  But what hasn't changed is the love, dedication, passion, enthusiasm and spirit that evolves around the sport of curling. 

So, to everyone, thank you for the memories from the past and the new ones to come this week.  Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of one of the most amazing curling events ever.  It will truly be a rewarding experience for all.

Please enjoy your week. I know I will.