2017 Spring Conferment of Decoration, Mr. Wally Ursuliak (Curling instructor, Former World champion)

The Government of Japan announced the foreign recipients of the 2017 Spring Imperial Decorations. Mr. Wally Ursuliak is one of the foreign recipients and he received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in recognition of his contributions as the earliest curling instructor in Hokkaido, laying the foundation for curling in Japan, and for elevating cultural & sport exchange between Japan and Canada via the sport of curling.

-SUMMARY OF CONTRIBUTIONS:

(1) Promoted and Developed Curling in Japan as a Modern Sport
After the establishment of the Alberta Hokkaido Sister Province relationship, the Alberta Government chose Wally to introduce the sport of curling in Hokkaido as a winter activity that could be enjoyed by anyone. While in Japan he taught over 2000 students in approximately 12 different towns, and also gave lectures on curling in schools.

(2) Canada and Japan’s International Friendship through Curling
In the cities where Wally first taught, curling is still known as a winter sport and there are municipalities that strengthen their twinning relationships through curling.
Because of Wally’s instruction, the annual Hokkaido curling championship is called the “Alberta Cup” and the 36th championship in 2016 featured a special trophy that was presented as a gift from the Province of Alberta.
In addition, the annual Hokkaido Bank Classic has invited Canadian Olympic Medalists to participate in the tournament and compete with local athletes. Wally Ursuliak laid the groundwork so that Canada and Hokkaido could continue to enjoy cultural exchange through the sport of curling.