Sponsored by the British American Oil Company, the event brought together 32 teams from across the region for a weekend of spirited curling competition, camaraderie, and community. It drew participants from sports and media circles — even a few Toronto Argonauts joined in. Among the notable celebrity competitors were Argonauts legend Jackie Parker, BC Lions coach Annis Stukus, comedian Johnny Wayne, and sports columnist Scott Young.

Led by club manager and organizer Gordon Campbell, this invitational event had teams compete for $1,500 in sporting goods prizes — including Winchester 94 rifles for First Event winners, Over-and-Under shotguns for Second Event, .22 automatic rifles for Third Event, and target pistols for Fourth Event.

Ron Kemp from the Glendale Club won the inaugural First Event, defeating Stan Jones of Humber Highland. An Oakville rink skipped by Chris Johnson captured the Second Event, while the first Oakville team to win the top prize came the following year, skipped by Murray Small.

Over the decades, The Sportsman has produced its share of legends. Bob Oswald and Jonathan Duguay have each lifted the First Event trophy five times, followed by Stan Mills, a four-time champion.

In 2009, bonspiel chair Grant Clark added a charitable component by connecting the event with Sleeping Children Around the World. A group of community-minded sponsors quickly joined in — Pipers Heath provided meals, and Macgregor Meats supplied participant prizes. With the addition of Monaghan’s Bar as the host of the popular pool tournament, a successful and popular format was set. Since then, through the generosity of participants and local businesses, The Sportsman has raised more than $200,000 for Sleeping Children Around the World.

Sixty years later, The Sportsman remains one of Oakville’s most anticipated curling events — fiercely competitive, proudly charitable, and true to its roots of fellowship and fun.

As they say — “You’ve come a long way, baby!”