Provost's Welcome

On behalf of Perth & Kinross Council, I am delighted to welcome, once again, the players, officials, friends and families from the 32 teams competing in this, the 34th Ramada Masters tournament at Dewars Rinks. It gives me great pleasure to greet the 16 teams who have come from overseas, especially those players from China and Japan, but also teams from Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany and Denmark. We are looking forward especially to the competition between the six teams that will be going from here to Vancouver and 2010 Winter Olympics in February.

The Ramada Masters tournament is always the first event of the year, and with its large contingent of overseas players, it gives us a great start. The players and followers who come from overseas are particularly important this year, becuase 2010 is Perth's 800th anniversary. We are wanting to send a message across the world that Perth is an ancient city with modern aspirations, and that we are open for business at all times.

Perth & Kinross Council is keen to develop our international sporting connections, and to promote Perth as a dynamic European city. We also have some world class cultural facilities in Perth - our Concert Hall, our Museum & Art Gallery, and of course our scenery. A walk along the banks of the Tay is well worth the effort, even in the winter. You might see, as I have seen, otters playing in the river.

May I wish all the competitors success over the weekend, and I hope that you will all have an enjoyable time here in the Fair City.

 

Dr John Hulbert
Provost of Perth & Kinross