KINGSTON, ON - Bob Stewart of Longbow Lake, ON, made the shot of a lifetime to secure his spot as the finalist in the Capital One Million Dollar Button, curling's only million dollar fan contest.
Mr. Stewart is going on an all-expenses paid trip for him and three friends, who will be his own personal "cheer squad" at the 2013 Tim Hortons Brier in Edmonton, AB, where he will shoot during the fifth-end break of the gold-medal game.
In order to win the Capital One Million Dollar Button's grand prize of a one-time payment of $1 million, Mr. Stewart must successfully deliver a rock from the hack and place the stone within the button on a regulation curling sheet. He will have just one opportunity to execute the shot.
"I was extremely nervous. I haven't curled for 20 years. I was surprised to just get into the house," said Mr. Stewart. "I got retired last fall when I didn't want to be, so I could definitely use [$1 million].
Four lucky semifinalists won an all-expenses paid trip for two to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kingston, ON, where they competed for the finalist position. Mr. Stewart was the third contestant to shoot for a chance to win $1 million, and he won when his rock landed four feet, 4.5 inches from the button.
"The energy on the ice during the semifinal throw is the reason why we launched the Capital One Million Dollar Button because it gives curling fans the opportunity to really become part of the action," said Clinton Braganza, VP Brand Marketing, Capital One Canada. "I want to wish Mr. Stewart the best of luck at the finals in March."
