REVIEW ANNUAL 2019 - Amazon AWS
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W O R LD CU R LI N G
FE D E R A TI O N
ANNUA
L
REVIEW
2 0 19
2 02 0
This striking image, by World Curling Federation senior photographer Richard Gray, captures the drama of the enthralling closing ceremony of the World Junior Championships at the Crystal Ice Arena in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
Contents
President's Message
Board & Staff
1
2
President’s
Key Facts & Figures
Operations & Integrity
3
4
Message
Governance 4
World Mixed Curling 5
Championship
Zonal Reports 6
Once again, it is my pleasure to introduce the World models John Morris of Canada and Switzerland’s Marlene Albrecht
Pacific-Asia Curling 7 Curling Federation’s Annual Review. — did our sport proud, particularly in the unique mixed doubles
Championships competition which sees curlers from different nations forging new
As you will see on these pages, the 2019–2020 season saw many
Athlete Commission 8 important developments in all aspects of our sport, as well as the partnerships to compete, reflecting the true spirit of curling and the
Technical Commission 8 successful staging of championship and qualifying events as the values of the Olympic movement.
European Curling 9 season progressed. However, this curling season, as is the case in all While our competitions grab the headlines, this season has seen
Championships walks of life, will be remembered for the unprecedented COVID-19 much progress in our development of the sport. Our team of
pandemic, which shook everything to its roots. Curling Development Officers are working across the globe and in
World Junior Curling 10
Championships As we all battle through this crisis, I know that, among our 64 different ways to take our sport forward as you will see outlined in
Member Associations, there will be many friends, colleagues, this Review — my grateful thanks to them.
World Wheelchair Curling 12
Championship team-mates, and families who have been touched directly, and our Among the highlights of this work was the launch of the World
thoughts and sympathies go out to everyone. Here in the World Curling Academy — a unique initiative developed in partnership
World Qualification Events 14 between our Federation and the World Academy of Sport which
Curling Federation we are mindful that our colleague and great
Olympic Celebration Tour 14 friend Christian Leibbrandt succumbed in April. The virus has taken will become the home of all World Curling online courses and a
Hall of Fame 15 one of our own, and our sincere condolences are with his family and source for development resources. Our Federation’s membership of
the Dutch curling community. the World Academy of Sport is an important development that will
Youth Olympic Games 16
This time last year, we were in Cancun for our Congress. Our play a role in ensuring robust education development for all.
Broadcast 18
Mexican hosts did a great job in creating a relaxed atmosphere, Elsewhere in this Review you will see that, although restricted
Media 19 but we had some important discussions that will play their part in this season, our Olympic Celebration Tour programme continues,
Cancelled Championships: determining the future for our sport. thanks again to support from the California-based Foundation for
“
World Women's Curling 20 Before the enforced cancellations at the end of the season, we Global Sports Development. This season’s cancellations thwarted
Championship had competitions in China, Finland, Russia, Scotland, Sweden, our plans to reach our 50th event since the programme started ...I know that,
World Men's Curling 20 Switzerland, and the United States. While all were successful and in 2013, but this is only a postponement and we look forward to
Championship well-organised by enthusiastic local organising committees and reaching that milestone soon. among our 64 Member
World Mixed Doubles 21 their dedicated volunteers (as ever, our thanks to them — our events We are also making progress in other areas — our broadcast and
Curling Championship simply would not take place without them), two competitions really media platforms continue to reach new levels and our influence Associations, there will be
World Senior Curling 21 stand out. as an Olympic sport continues to grow. There are also exciting
Championships The World Juniors took place in Krasnoyarsk in Russia — the developments in China as the Olympic and Paralympic Winter many friends, colleagues,
Sponsorship & Marketing 22 Siberian city that had successfully hosted the Winter Universiade Games Beijing 2022 come ever closer.
Development 23 Games in 2019 and, in the city’s brand-new Crystal Ice Arena, we However, there is no denying it will take time to recover from the team-mates and families
had a truly world-class venue. This was simply one of the best impact of COVID-19 and I should add that we have set up a Medical
Fiscal 24 events I have ever attended, with the closing ceremony quite Advisory Group who are working closely with us and keeping in who have been touched
World Rankings 26 spectacular. close contact with the World Health Organisation advice.
Competitions 28 Before that, curling took full advantage of our involvement in Whilst the Federation will doubtless be adversely affected directly and our thoughts
President's Look Forward 29 the third Youth Olympic Winter Games. These were hosted in financially, it is important for me to emphasise that our prudent
Lausanne, the Swiss Olympic city, with 96 teenage curlers from approach to financial management and investments over the years and sympathies go out to
”
Thank you! 30 gives us the resilience to manage an effective recovery. I am glad to
24 nations taking part. The curling competitions took place in
Events Calendar 32 the familiar surroundings of the Champéry Curling Arena and say that our Federation is going from strength to strength, and long everyone...
Sponsors 33 the young competitors — aided and encouraged by athlete role may that continue.
WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020 1
Board & Staff
BOARD
8 2 4
5
7 3 6
1
1 Kate Kaithness CBE President: Scotland, elected to 2022
2 Bent Ramsfjell Vice-President Europe: Norway, elected to 2023
3 Graham Prouse Vice-President Americas: Canada, elected to 2021
4 Hugh Millikin Vice-President Pacific-Asia: Australia, elected to 2020
5 Hew Chalmers MBE Board Director: Scotland, elected to 2021
6 Catherine Lindahl Board Director: Sweden, elected to 2020
7 Toyo Ogawa Board Director: Japan, elected to 2023
8 Beau Welling Board Director: United States, elected to 2022
STAFF Colin Grahamslaw Secretary General Richard Harding Head of Broadcast
Scott Arnold Head of Development Belinda Bantle-Carboni WCTV Production Manager
Eeva Roethlisberger Head of Competitions Sylvie Aubrit Distribution, Booking and Servicing Manager
Darrell Ell Competitions and Development Officer
Liz Munro Office Manager
Jiri Snitil Competitions and Development Officer
Gill Amatt Administrator
Karri Willms Competitions and Development Officer
Thelma Black Finance Controller
Cameron MacAllister Head of Media (until April 2020) Susan Keith Anti-Doping Officer
Christopher Hamilton Acting Head of Media (from April 2020)/ Rhona Howie Equipment and Logistics Officer
Digital Media Officer
Ashley Melville IT Officer
Emily Dwyer Media Officer
Saskia Mueller-Gastell Projects Officer
2 WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020
Key Facts
Instagram
exceeds & Figures
World
25,000
40
Record
Curling
followers
Academy
teams compete in the LAUNCHES
Dominican Republic, 2 0 19 in June
Chinese social media channel
India and Kuwait
World Mixed Sina Weibo
reaches
become
Member
95,000
World Ranked followers
Associations
increasing the Curling TV Thirdof the
IN FIRST YEAR
number to (YouTube channel)
64
exceeds Olympic Winter Sports
62,000
in the Association of International
Olympic Winter Federation
(AIOWF)
subscribers Governance Audit
Nigeria
break ground on
first
Three-year dedicated
hosting partnership Brazil curling rink
Eight year with opened in Africa
Curl Aberdeen
World Championship
hosting partnership signed for first
with World Mixed dedicated
Curling Canada Championship curling rink
WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020 3
Operations & Integrity Governance
Staffing Anti-doping The World Curling Federation’s Governance Polish Curling Association continues to operate
Following the staffing changes made last summer, Over the past 12 months 80 tests have been Commission is constantly monitoring and looking outside the terms of their existing constitution.
Richard Harding, the new World Curling Federation conducted both in and out of competition. They have for initiatives to improve governance within the This has led to the recommendation from the
Head of Broadcast was joined in the World Curling resulted in no adverse findings. organisation, as well being a resource for Member World Curling Federation Governance Commission
TV team by Belinda Bantle-Carboni, Production The World Curling Federation was due to deliver the Associations that need guidance or help with to the World Curling Federation Board to suspend
Manager and Sylvie Aubrit, Rights, Distribution, latest edition of its successful Anti-Doping Outreach, governance-related issues. the Polish Curling Association’s membership of
Booking and Servicing Manager. This new #CurlClean, at the World Men’s Curling The biggest task of the Governance Commission the Federation.
management structure recognises the ever-growing Championship but this was cancelled when the in the recent year has been assisting and As of Friday 31 January 2020, that suspension
nature of World Curling's broadcast operation and championship was cancelled.
recommending to the Board regarding the has been in place. The World Curling Federation
the complexities of managing relationships with The World Curling Federation have now signed an governance situation in one of the Member Board considers the Polish Curling Association
more broadcasters. agreement with the Court of Arbitration for Sport Associations – Poland. to be in breach of the Word Curling Federation
At the end of April, Cameron MacAllister left his Anti-Doping Division, for them to run the hearing
For years, the Federation has received reports of Constitution by “bringing the sport into disrepute”
position as Head of Media to join Scottish rugby union process for any future Anti-Doping Rule Violations
concern about Poland. Recently, the Federation (section 6.6.2.3).
team the Glasgow Warriors, to lead their Marketing under the World Curling Federation Anti-Doping rules.
Additionally, the Federation has been working with has actively aided the Polish Curling Association At the General Assembly 2020 this suspension
and Communication team. The process for replacing
WADA — The World Anti-Doping Agency — to update and the Polish curling community to try to resolve will be voted on by the Member Associations
him has been interrupted by the COVID-19 situation
and in the interim Christopher Hamilton has taken on the World Curling Anti-Doping Rules to be compliant issues based on governance best practices. taking part.
with the new WADA 2021 Code. The proposed rules However, since October 2018 the Polish Curling
the role of Acting Head of Media. In addition, the Governance Commission continues
will be presented to the membership at the 2020 Association has failed to respond satisfactorily to
The year finished with all staff working from home to review best practice policies and procedures to
Annual General Assembly for approval. requests for information and clarification.
following the global pandemic. The Perth Office was ensure that World Curling Federation governance
closed in late March and has yet to fully re-open. In October 2019, the Polish Minister of Sports and maintains its high standards.
However, this did not prevent the staff continuing Integrity
Tourism approached the Polish courts with an In the latest AIOWF (Association of International
to operate the Federation, delivering all the work to There have been no reported concerns around World application for dissolution of the Polish Curling Olympic Winter Federations) Governance Audit the
prepare for the coming season from their own homes. Curling competitions either through the hotline or Association based on the findings of several audits. World Curling Federation was ranked third of the
Their commitment and flexibility in making things via the International Olympic Committee’s Irregular This court process is still on-going. seven Winter Olympic Sports and more importantly,
work has been very encouraging and is a credit to Betting Information System, which monitors major
all involved. The Governance Commission has not seen any significantly ahead of the benchmark score that all
events for unusual betting patterns.
sign of willingness from the Polish Association International Federations are expected to achieve.
The World Curling Federation make use of the to provide requested information and to resolve
International Olympic Committee’s Integrity
outstanding governance issues. Meanwhile, the
Whistleblowing line. Discussions continue with
the International Olympic Committee’s Integrity
Unit around ways to further develop the education
processes. This followed a review of the use of the
International Olympic Committee education materials
at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.
4 WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020
World Mixed
Curling Championship
Aberdeen, Scotland, 12–19 October 2019
World Mixed Curling
Championship 2019
The World Mixed Curling The four semi-finalists were:
Championship is an open entry event • Canada, who had knock-out wins over MEDALLISTS
for all World Curling Federation Sweden and Denmark 2 CANADA
Member Associations and, in its fifth • Norway, who beat Slovakia and Colin Kurz (skip and fourth)
year, the 2019 championship took Hungary Meghan Walter (third)
place at Curl Aberdeen, in the north- • Germany, who were winners over Brendan Bilawka (second)
east Scottish city of Aberdeen. Poland, then Scotland Sara Oliver (lead)
Jim Waite (coach)
With Kosovo and Nigeria making their • Korea, knock-out winners over Russia
World Mixed debuts, a new record of 40 and Switzerland. 2 GERMANY
Member Associations were represented Andy Kapp (skip and fourth)
In the semi-finals, Canada beat Norway
and split into five groups: Pia-Lisa Schoell (third)
by 6-5, while Germany beat Korea by 6-4.
Benny Kapp (second)
Group A: Belarus, Canada, Estonia, Norway then beat Korea by 6-5 to take
Petra Tschetsch (lead)
Germany, Hong Kong, Kosovo, Nigeria bronze medals, while Canada took gold
and Slovakia against Germany, with another 6-5 score- 2 NORWAY
line, to retain the title they had won for Wilhelm Naess (fourth)
Group B: Andorra, Croatia, Czech Ingvild Skaga (skip and third)
the first time in 2018.
Republic, Denmark, Norway, New Harald Skarsheim Rian (second)
The World Mixed Curling Championship
Zealand, Poland and Wales 2020 has been cancelled due to the Eirin Mesloe (lead)
COVID-19 pandemic. Stale Rian (coach)
Group C: Australia, Brazil, Spain,
Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Sweden
and United States
Group D: Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Luxembourg, Scotland, Slovenia,
Chinese Taipei and Turkey
Group E: Austria, Belgium, England,
Finland, France, Korea, Russia and
Switzerland.
Following round-robin play, the top three
teams in each Group, along with the best
fourth-place finisher, progressed to the
play-offs, ranked from one to 16.
(bold denotes all play-off qualifiers)
WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020 5
Around the Zones
In all three of the World Curling Federation’s Zones – the Americas, Europe, and Pacific-Asia
– much development work is taking place. While COVID-19 has clearly had a profound impact,
there is still much to record and celebrate, from all corners of the globe.
AMERICAS EUROPE
Brazil A number of developments have taken place across
Sergio Mitsuo Vilela, Director for Curling at the the Europe Zone, which has 41 member nations.
Brazilian Ice Sports Federation, reports on what was These include:
a major highlight: “on January 25th we soft-opened Denmark: The Mayor of Silkeborg, Denmark
•
the Ice Brasil Arena, with three dedicated curling announced in the media that hosting the WWCC
sheets and a separate quarter-size hockey/skating 2019 had a great positive impact on the city and
rink. This 3,500 square-metre complex hosts the that Silkeborg is eager to host future events
first dedicated curling facility in Latin America (only Finland: Olli Rissanen, President of the Finnish
•
the second in the southern hemisphere) and was Curling Association — and a World Curling
made possible by the World Curling Federation’s In addition, Curling Canada and the World Curling Federation representative for 22 years — stepped
Federation announced an eight-year extension to the down from the international scene, with thanks.
new facility loan and deferred payment for
agreement that sees either a men’s or women’s world He was a former President of the European
equipment programmes, in combination with their
championship hosted in Canada, till 2028. Curling Federation
Development Assistance Programme, and funds from PACIFIC-ASIA
private investors as well as the Brazilian Ice Sports Netherlands: There are now approximately 30-40
•
Guyana ice rinks, and curling clinics are always the most This was another exciting season for the Pacific-Asia
Federation’s own funds.”
The Guyana Curling Federation launched its official popular among ice sports region. Highlights included:
The opening weekend had more than 200 visitors, who
website at www.guyanacurling.com with the support Norway: the successful hosting of the Lillehammer
• • The successful holding of the PACC in Shenzhen,
took part in workshops and presentations. After this,
of the World Curling Federation Development Youth Curling Camp China - a great sign for the upcoming Olympic
curling was introduced to an average of 50 visitors
Assistance programme. • Romania: Brasov, Romania hosted the ECC-C, Winter Games Beijing 2022
a day. However, COVID-19 forced the closure of the
facility two months later as well as the official opening, With this new online platform, an informative and which attracted a good number of spectators and • Continued growth throughout the region with
which is now planned for May 2021, to coincide with functional site geared towards curling in Guyana which raised awareness of curling in the country additional dedicated rinks in Japan, China, Korea
the hosting of an Olympic Celebration Tour visit. carries regular news updates and recruitment forms, • Sweden: A survey has noted that curling is always and New Zealand
the Guyana Curling Federation hopes to continue among the top ten sports of what people want to • The now-cancelled Pacific-Asia Curling
spreading the word about curling to Guyanese both at see on TV (out of 72 sports). Championships 2020 was scheduled to be held at a
Canada home and abroad, and attract Guyanese interested in
The Europe Commission is also considering how new dedicated curling facility in Wakkanai, Japan
Canadian athletes with ambitions of representing the trying the sport.
to use the European Curling Federation Monetary • Continuing investigations into facilities
country at international curling events have received opportunities in Australia, Hong Kong, Qatar
Legacy (some $USA 100,000). Viable projects for
a significant funding boost. Nearly $CAN 3.5 million, United States and Nigeria
being awarded grants could include those that
including a 43% increase in athletes’ prize money A major initiative has begun which aims to bridge especially target youth, promote development and/or • A growing focus on junior participation by most
at 2019–2020 championships, was made available enhance cross-border cooperation.
the gap between high performance athletes and member nations
through various high-performance programmes
grassroots curlers. It is focusing on younger athletes • Continuing work on successfully delivering
facilitated by Curling Canada. This increase included
with the implementation of an under-25 National curling for the Olympic Winter Games Beijing
a landmark move to equalise the prize money
Team Program and a soon-to-be National Junior 2022, including increased participation levels
at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and Tim
Development Program. throughout China
Hortons Brier, Canada’s national women’s and men’s
USA Curling has also prioritised expanding and • Continuing expansion of the Pacific-Asia
championships, for a total of $CAN 300,000 at each
improving diversity and inclusion. This initiative began Championships, now with a potential field of up
event. The women’s purse update resulted in an
by expanding resources provided to the USA National to 17 Member Associations. The championships
82% increase in prize money compared to the Wheelchair Curling Team and will continue to be are now in a position where change is required to
previous season, putting it on par with the men’s addressed with the reconvening of USA Curling’s reflect different levels of play and number of teams.
national championship. Diversity and Inclusion Committee. A proposal for this change is being developed.
6 WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020
Pacific-Asia Curling
Championships 2019
MEDALLISTS
WOMEN
Pacific-Asia
2 CHINA
Yu Han (skip and fourth)
Lijun Zhang (third)
Xindi Jiang (second)
Ruiyi Zhao (lead)
Curling Championships
Jiaxin Yu (alternate) Shenzhen, China, 2–9 November 2019
Marco Mariani (coach)
2 JAPAN
Ikue Kitazawa (fourth)
The Pacific-Asia Curling gave first place to Japan, who then faced
Chiaki Matsumura (third)
Championships 2019 took place at fourth-placed Hong Kong in the semi-final
Seina Nakajima (skip and second)
the Shenzhen Universiade Sports and beat them by 12-5. In the other semi-
Hasumi Ishigooka (lead)
Center in Shenzhen, China, with final, third-placed China beat second-ranked
Emi Shimizu (alternate)
Korea, 8-2.
Yusuke Morozumi (coach) eight women’s teams and ten men’s
teams representing ten Member In the bronze medal game, Korea beat Hong
2 KOREA Kong by 13-2, while China took gold with a
Un Chi Gim (skip and fourth) Associations. This included Nigeria,
10-3 win over Japan in the final.
Min Ji Um (third) who became the first African team to
Su Ji Kim (second) take part in the Pacific-Asia event. With these results, China and Japan
Ye Eun Seol (lead) qualified directly for the World Women’s
The women’s teams were: Australia,
Ye Ji Seol (alternate) Curling Championship 2020, while Korea
China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan,
Dong Ho Shin (coach) and Hong Kong secured their places in the
Kazakhstan, Korea and Qatar.
World Qualification Event.
At the end of the round-robin, three teams
MEN The ten men’s teams were: Australia,
— China, Korea and Japan — were tied at the
China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan,
2 KOREA top of the rankings with six wins and one
Kazakhstan, Korea, New Zealand, Nigeria,
Chang-Min Kim (skip and fourth) loss. Results from the draw shot challenge
and Qatar.
Ki Jeong Lee (third)
Hak Kyun Kim (second) Korea finished the round-robin undefeated
Ki Bok Lee (lead) with nine straight wins and faced fourth-
Myung Sup Lim (coach) placed New Zealand in the semi-finals,
winning that game too, by 10-6. In the other
2 JAPAN
semi-final, Japan, second-placed after the
Yuta Matsumura (skip and fourth)
round-robin, beat third-ranked China by 7-5.
Tetsuro Shimizu (third)
Yasumasa Tanida (second) China then beat New Zealand, by 9-4, for
Kosuke Aita (lead) bronze medals, while, Korea beat Japan,
Shinya Abe (alternate) by 11-2, in the final. With their victory, Korea
Bob Ursel (coach) also qualified directly for the LGT World
Men’s Curling Championship 2020, while
2 CHINA Japan and China qualified for the World
Qiang Zou (skip and fourth)
Qualification Event.
Zhiyu Wang (third)
Jiafeng Tian (second) The Pacific-Asia Curling Championships
2020 has been cancelled due to the
Jingtao Xu (lead)
COVID-19 pandemic.
Peng Han (alternate)
Soren Gran (coach)
WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020 7
Athlete Technical
Commission Commission
The Athlete Commission held in-person meetings for The Technical Commission was first established at the end
two full days following the European Championships in of 2018 with the purpose of “providing advice and support
Helsingborg, Sweden. to achieve the highest level of playing conditions possible
Discussions revolved around the future function of the at all levels of the game, and to assist in the development of
Commission and how it best represents athletes. Proposals curling facilities around the world, both new and existing”.
were put on the table for discussion with the World Curling Since then, and following an inaugural meeting at Greenacres,
Federation Board, including changes to the Commission’s Terms Scotland — where much of the World Curling Federation
of Reference. Through these proposals, the Commission has a equipment is stored, including various sets of stones —
goal of ensuring continuity of knowledge within the group, as the commission started its activities through three main areas
well as ensuring that the Terms of Reference best represent the of focus:
athletes’ voice.
• To produce a guide on how to build a modern curling facility
These proposals have now pushed back one year because of the • To produce a technical site visit manual
COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission will use this new timeline
• To develop educational programmes.
to review these proposals before re-presenting them.
The athlete vote for Commission members — two Men's, Mixed
Doubles and Wheelchair Curling representatives — was also
Guide on how to build a modern
delayed one year due to the pandemic and limited resources to
curling facility
run a full athlete vote. All members who were supposed to rotate The guide to "Building a Modern Curling Facility" was
off or be up for re-election accepted one additional year on the published in April to aid the World Curling Federation Member
Commission to support the World Curling Federation. Associations in building modern dedicated curling facilities.
In addition: The guide includes technical specifications for each aspect of the
project, including equipment required by ice technicians in their
• Two Commission members are actively involved in the World
maintenance of the facility.
Curling Federation’s Maximizing the Value commission
Along with the guide, a number of case study white papers were
• Two Commission members are actively involved in the World
released to showcase the variety available. The guide and case
Curling Federation’s World Team Ranking working group
studies are available in multiple languages on the World Curling
• The Commission Chair, Nolan Thiessen (Canada), sits on Federation website.
the World Curling Federation Constitution and Rules
Commission, to provide athlete opinion.
The Commission’s key future points of focus include:
Technical site visit manual
To meet the need to identify potential issues at proposed event
Help provide athlete support for return to play once safe to
•
venues much earlier than is currently happening, a bullet point
do so after the COVID-19 pandemic
questionnaire has been created for use by those with interest
Continue to evolve the mechanisms that the Commission uses
• in hosting an event. As a result, an on-line form of technical
to speak to athletes and keep athletes informed site visit questionnaire is currently being reviewed, before
Open channels of communication — using digital tools,
• final publication.
including developing a regular webinar series — to provide
athletes with updates on the status of various projects. Educational programmes
Other mechanisms, including social media offerings for the In its work to develop educational programmes, the Commission
Commission, are being considered. has recognised the need to bring back levels of certification for
Arguably the biggest contribution the Athlete Commission Ice Technicians. The World Curling Federation’s partnership with
makes is to sit on other Commissions to provide the athlete the World Academy of Sport saw the launch of the Ice Technician
opinions in real-time. Level 1 online course as the initial offering from the World
Curling Academy.
8 WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020Le Gruyère AOP European
Curling Championships 2019
MEDALLISTS
WOMEN
European
2 SWEDEN
Anna Hasselborg (skip and fourth)
Sara McManus (third)
Agnes Knochenhauer (second)
Sofia Mabergs (lead)
Curling Championships
Johanna Heldin (alternate) Helsingborg, Sweden, 16–23 November 2019
Wayne Middaugh (coach)
2 SCOTLAND 26 national Member Associations The ten A-Division men’s teams were:
Eve Muirhead (skip and fourth) Denmark (qualified from last season’s
contested the Le Gruyère AOP
Lauren Gray (third) B-Division), England (qualified from last
Jennifer Dodds (second) European Curling Championships
2019, in Helsingborg’s The Olympia season’s B-Division), Germany, Italy,
Victoria Wright (lead)
Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Scotland
Sophie Sinclair (alternate) Rink, Sweden.
(defending champions), Sweden, and
Nancy Smith (coach) The ten A-Division women’s teams were: Switzerland.
2 SWITZERLAND Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia
Sweden went through the round-robin
Alina Paetz (fourth) (qualified from last season’s B-Division),
undefeated to face fourth-placed Scotland
Silvana Tirinzoni (skip and third) Germany, Latvia, Norway (qualified from
in the semi-final, with Switzerland playing
Esther Neuenschwander (second) last season’s B-Division), Russia, Scotland,
Denmark. The Swedes then beat Scotland,
Melanie Barbezat (lead) Sweden (defending champions), and
by 8-4, in the semi-finals, while Switzerland
Pierre Charette (coach) Switzerland.
were 8-5 winners over Denmark.
MEN Following round-robin play, table-leaders
Scotland beat Denmark, 7-2, for bronze,
Sweden faced Russia in the semi-finals,
2 SWEDEN while Sweden beat Switzerland, by 9-3,
with Sweden winning, by 9-3, while
Niklas Edin (skip and fourth) in the gold medal game. This win gave
Scotland beat Switzerland, by 3-2, after an
Oskar Eriksson (third) Swedish skip Niklas Edin a seventh
extra end.
Rasmus Wranaa (second) European title, and added the European
Switzerland beat Russia, by 6-5, for the crown to his team's world title. At the foot
Christoffer Sundgren (lead)
bronze medals. While in the championship of the A-Division, Russia and England were
Daniel Magnusson (alternate)
final, Sweden’s reigning Olympic champion relegated to next season’s B-Division.
Fredrik Lindberg (coach)
skip Anna Hasselborg played a raise
2 SWITZERLAND The men’s B-Division was split into two
double take-out to score two points in the
Yannick Schwaller (skip and fourth) tenth end and retain her European crown, Groups:
Michael Brunner (third) defeating Scotland, by 5-4. (Group-A): Bulgaria, Czech Republic,
Romano Meier (second) Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Slovakia, Spain,
At the other end of the rankings, Norway
Marcel Kaeufeler (lead) and Wales.
and Latvia were relegated to the
Lucien Lottenbach (alternate)
B-Division. (Group-B): Austria, Belarus, France, Israel,
Bernhard Werthemann (coach)
The ten B-Division women’s teams were: Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Turkey.
2 SCOTLAND Belarus, England, Finland, Hungary, Czech Republic were B-Division winners,
Ross Paterson (skip and fourth)
Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, with Finland second, qualifying both
Kyle Waddell (third)
and Turkey. for the A-Division as well the World
Duncan Menzies (second)
Italy topped the B-Division, with Turkey Qualification Event. Slovakia and Israel
Michael Goodfellow (lead)
second to qualify both for next season’s were relegated to the C-Division.
Craig Waddell (alternate)
Ian Tetley (coach) A-Division and give them places in the The Le Gruyère AOP European Curling
World Qualification Event. At the foot Championships 2020 has been cancelled
of the table, Poland and Lithuania were due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
relegated to the C-Division.
WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020 9World Junior
Curling Championships
Krasnoyarsk, Russia, 15–22 February 2020
The World Junior Curling Championships Korea beat Japan, by 8-4, while Canada
2020 were staged in Russia for the were 9-8 winners over Russia. In the bronze
second time, at the Crystal Ice Arena in medal game, Russia beat Japan, by 14-4,
Krasnoyarsk. Previously, the Siberian city while Canada beat Korea, by 7-5, to take
made its international curling debut in gold and the title.
March 2019 when it hosted the Winter The men’s teams were:
Universiade Games. Host: Russia
This was the 45th edition of these Qualified from World Junior
championships, and to be eligible to Championships 2019 (in qualification
compete, “a player must be less than 21 years
order): Canada (defending champions),
of age by the end of the 30th day of June
Switzerland, Scotland, Norway, United
of the year immediately preceding the year
States and New Zealand
in which the championship is to take place”.
A total of 20 teams competed at the event Qualified from World Junior-B Curling
representing 15 World Curling Federation Championships 2019 (in qualification
Member Associations. order): Sweden, Italy and Germany.
With Russia qualifying as event hosts, the The semi-finalists were top-ranked
other participating teams either qualified Scotland, Canada, Germany and
directly through their performances in the Switzerland. In the semi-finals Switzerland
World Junior Curling Championships 2019 or beat Scotland, by 9-6, while Canada were
by qualifying from the World Junior-B Curling 7-4 winners over Germany.
Championships 2019, which had been staged Scotland then took bronze, beating
in Lohja, Finland during November. Germany, by 6-5, while a golden Canadian
The women’s teams were: double was sealed when they beat
Host (and defending champions): Russia Switzerland, by 7-2, adding to their women’s
gold medals.
Qualified from World Junior Curling
At the closing ceremony, Sportsmanship
Championships 2019 (in qualification order):
Awards – for the players voted on by the
Canada, Switzerland, Korea, Sweden and
others as best exemplifying the spirit
Norway
of curling – were awarded to Norway’s
Qualified from World Junior-B Curling women’s skip, Maia Ramsfjell and New
Championships 2019 (in qualification order): Zealand’s men’s vice-skip Anton Hood.
Japan, Latvia, Denmark and Hungary. The World Junior Curling Championships
After round-robin play, Korea were 2021 will be held in Beijing's Ice Cube from
undefeated at the top of the table and faced 18–28 February 2021 and will serve as a
fourth-placed Japan in the semi-finals, while test event for the Olympic Winter Games
Beijing 2022.
Canada, second overall, played third-placed
Russia.
10 WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020World Junior Curling
Championships 2020
MEDALLISTS
WOMEN
2 CANADA
Mackenzie Zacharias
(skip and fourth)
Karlee Burgess (third)
Emily Zacharias (second)
Lauren Lenentine (lead)
Rachel Erickson (alternate)
Sheldon Zacharias (coach)
2 KOREA
Minji Kim (skip and fourth)
Seungyoun Ha (third)
Hyerin Kim (second)
Sujin Kim (lead)
Taei Yang (alternate)
Sungjun Lee (coach)
2 RUSSIA
Vlada Rumiantseva (skip and fourth)
Vera Tiuliakova (third)
Irina Riazanova (second)
Anastasia Mishchenko (lead)
Aleksandra Kardapoltseva
(alternate)
Andrey Drozdov (coach)
MEN
2 CANADA
Jacques Gauthier (skip and fourth)
Jordan Peters (third)
Brayden Payette (second)
Zachary Bilawka (lead)
Thomas Dunlop (alternate)
John Lund (coach)
2 SWITZERLAND
Yves Stocker (fourth)
Yves Wagenseil (skip and third)
Felix Eberhard (second)
Marcel Gertsch (lead)
Marco Hoesli (alternate)
Rodger Schmidt (coach)
2 SCOTLAND
James Craik (skip and fourth)
Mark Watt (third)
Blair Haswell, (second)
Niall Ryder (lead)
Angus Bryce (alternate)
Iain Watt (coach)
WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020 11World Wheelchair
Curling Championship
Wetzikon, Switzerland, 29 February – 7 March 2020
The World Wheelchair Curling After 17 round-robin sessions, unbeaten
World Wheelchair Curling leaders China and second-ranked Sweden
Championship 2020 was staged in the
Championship 2020 qualified directly for the semi-finals. Behind
Curling Hall, Wetzikon, in Switzerland.
MEDALLISTS them, in two qualification games, third-placed
This was the last World Curling Federation
Canada beat sixth-placed Korea, by 5-4,
2 RUSSIA championship of the 2019-2020 season
while fifth-placed Russia overcame fourth-
Konstantin Kurokhtin to be completed before the cancellations
ranked Norway, by 6-4, to move on to the
(skip and fourth) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Andrei Meshcheriakov (third) semi-final stage.
A total of 12 teams competed — the same
Vitaly Danilov (second) In those games, Canada beat Sweden, 3-2,
number that will take part in the Paralympic
Daria Shchukina (lead) while Russia ended the unbeaten run of
Winter Games Beijing 2022 — with hopes
Anna Karpushina (alternate) defending champions China, with a 9-4 victory.
of claiming the world title and gaining
Anton Batugin (coach) Sweden then defeated China, by 5-2, stealing
Paralympic Qualification Points.
2 CANADA three points in an extra end, while a tight
Based on the final ranking at the World
Jon Thurston (fourth) 5-4 win over Canada gave Russia — who had
Wheelchair Curling Championship 2019,
Ina Forrest (third) single-point steals in both the seventh and last
eight teams secured their spot in this
Dennis Thiessen (second) ends — their fifth world wheelchair title.
year's competition.
Mark Ideson (skip and lead) At the closing ceremony the Sportsmanship
Collinda Joseph (alternate) They were (in ranking order): China,
Award – for the player voted on by their peers
Wayne Kiel (coach) Scotland, Korea, Norway, Slovakia, Russia,
as best exemplifying the spirit of curling –
Estonia and Latvia.
2 SWEDEN was awarded to Czech Republic’s vice-skip,
Viljo Petersson-Dahl (skip and fourth) In addition, the top three finishers at the Radek Musilek.
Mats Ola Engborg (third) World Wheelchair-B Curling Championship
Next year’s World Wheelchair Curling
Ronny Persson (second) 2019 (staged in Lohja, Finland) — Canada, Championship taking place from 6–13 March
Kristina Ulander (lead) Sweden and Czech Republic all secured 2021, will be the test event for the Paralympic
Zandra Reppe (alternate) a place. Winter Games 2022 at the Ice Cube in
Alison Kreviazuk (coach) Hosts, Switzerland completed the field. Beijing, China.
12 WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020 13
World Qualification Events Olympic
World Mixed Doubles World Qualification
Celebration
Qualification Event Event 2020 Tour
2019
Greenacres, Scotland, 7–12 December 2019 Lohja, Finland, 13–18 January 2020 The Olympic Celebration Tour is a series of instructional events,
Following the decision to end the open entry format The World Qualification Event 2020 was staged in the Kisakallio Sports Institute launched in 2013, which introduces Olympic curlers to newcomers
for the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship in Lohja, Finland in January 2020, with eight women’s and eight men’s teams to the sport. This year, the Tour was once again supported by the
2020, Greenacres curling club in Scotland staged the competing for two places in their respective world championship line-ups. California-based Foundation for Global Sports Development.
first-ever World Mixed Doubles Qualification event in These included a first-ever appearance at this level by women’s and men’s teams However, COVID-19 curtailed this season’s activities to just two stops.
December 2019. representing Mexico, who had gained the right to be there through their debut But both of these were significant, with the Tour being staged in both
Altogether 28 nations were represented, vying for the participation in the Americas Challenge earlier in the season. Canada and Scotland for the first time.
final four places at the World Mixed Doubles Curling The eight women’s teams were: Australia, Estonia, hosts Finland, Italy, Korea, In February, Great Britain's 2014 Olympic silver medallist Tom Brewster,
Championship 2020 in Kelowna, Canada. along with 1992 Olympic demonstration medallist and World Curling
Mexico, Norway and Turkey.
The teams were divided into four groups: Federation Curling Development Officer Karri Wilms, visited the Prince
After round-robin play, unbeaten Korea topped the table, with Italy second and
Group A: China, Denmark, Germany, Guyana, Kosovo, George Golf and Curling Club as that British Columbia town was
Turkey third.
Ukraine and Wales gearing up to host the World Women’s Championship.
Korea then secured victory and a world championship place in the 1-v-2 Play-off
Group B: Belgium, Brazil, France, Ireland, Romania, Saudi Later, in early March, Great Britain's 2014 Olympic silver medallist
game, beating Italy, by 6-5, with a draw to the four-foot ring to score the one point
Arabia and Turkey team-mates David Murdoch, Greg Drummond and Michael Goodfellow
needed, after carving out single point steals in both the seventh and eighth ends. took part in the first-ever Tour stop in Glasgow, where they were joined
Group C: Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Italy, Kazakhstan,
Italy then went back onto the ice to face third-placed Turkey for the second world by Great Britain's 2014 Olympic Bronze Medallist Vicki Chalmers.
Latvia, Poland and Slovenia
championship slot. With an 8-4 win, the Italians successfully qualified. At the time, like Prince George in Canada, Glasgow was building up
Group D: Austria, Belarus, Korea, Lithuania, Netherlands,
The eight men’s teams were: China, Czech Republic, England, hosts Finland, to host another world championship – the LGT World Men’s Curling
Nigeria and Slovakia.
Japan, Mexico, Poland and Russia. Championship 2020.
After Group play, eight teams moved on to the double
At the end of the seven round-robin sessions, the top three teams to go forward to During the Glasgow event, a Member of the Scottish Parliament,
knock-out play-off stage: Austria, China, France, Germany,
the play-offs were: China, Russia and Japan. Christina McKelvie MSP, visited to try her hand at floor curling along
Italy, Korea, Latvia and Turkey.
with school children from the nearby town of Hamilton.
By winning two play-off games, both Germany and Italy China faced Russia in the 1-v-2 Play-off game and scored four points in the tenth
Later, Olympic Celebration Tour stops that were scheduled for
took the direct route to qualification. end to complete a 10-5 win that put them into the world championship.
Anchorage, United States, as well as in two brand new curling facilities
Germany first posted a 13-6 victory over Latvia before Russia then faced third-placed Japan for the last available world championship — in Kiev, Ukraine and Sao Paolo, Brazil — had to be cancelled, as were
going on to beat Turkey, 7-5. Italy followed up an 11-4 win position. In the eighth end, Russia skip Sergey Glukhov played a precise double two further stops scheduled in Japan.
over France by edging past Korea, by 6-4. tap-back on two Japanese counters to score four points and take an 8-3 lead.
Arrangements are being developed to stage these events at a later
These two teams were later joined by China and Korea Although Japan responded with a score of three points in the ninth end, Russia
time, with the visit to Sao Paulo likely to coincide with the official
to complete the World Championship line-up. It took an went on to secure their World Championship place, winning by 8-7. opening of their new dedicated facility.
extra-end for China to beat Turkey by 8-7 while Korea beat
Austria, by 7-2.
14 WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020• L L OF F
A A
Hall of Fame
ON
Before 2012, the Federation presented the World Team Gustafson
H Induction into
•
ME
Curling Freytag Award to recognise outstanding Elisabet Gustafson is already a member of the World Curling Hall of Fame. She was the World Curling
contribution to the sport. From 2012, inductees into
TI
inducted in 2012 and with this announcement, the remainder of her team, third Katarina
W
the World Curling Hall of Fame have been presented Nyberg, second Louise Marmont and lead Elisabeth Persson now join her.
Federation Hall of
with the Freytag Medal to mark their induction. In 2017, Ernie, Arnold, Garnet and Wes Richardson of Canada, were the first complete
Fame is the highest
The World Curling Freytag Award is a tribute international curling team to be inducted. ‘non-playing’ honour
A
to the late Elmer Freytag of the United States that the World Curling
R
O
Curling Association, one of the prime movers in the
Federation can bestow
establishment of the World Curling Federation.
•
on someone and
Previous winners of the Elmer Freytag Award and the
recognises outstanding
RLD
World Curling Freytag Award have all been inducted
to the World Curling Hall of Fame. contribution to the
Gordon Craig
sport of curling
ON
There are two classes of honour:
Gordon Craig (Canada) was the visionary behind Canada’s dedicated sports
Curler: awarded to athletes who have achieved channel, The Sports Network, or TSN. He was influential in the first television whether through on-ice
extraordinary distinction and outstanding results, and broadcasts of the World Men’s Curling Championship and the Canadian men’s achievements or off-ice
have demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and national curling championship, The Brier, in the 1960s, while at the Canadian
character, in the sport of curling.
endeavours.
Broadcast Corporation (CBC) Craig went on to establish TSN, Canada’s first 24-hour
Builder: awarded to individuals who have sports channel. In 2016, Craig was a recipient of the Order of Canada, one of the
accomplished distinguished service and have country’s highest civilian honours.
TI
made major contributions to the development and
advancement of international curling.
CU
During the 2019–2020 season, the World Curling
R
Federation inducted its second elite curling team (and
Leif Ohman
A
first women’s team) into its Hall of Fame – Sweden’s
LI R
Team Elisabet Gustafson, the four-time World Sweden’s Leif Ohman has been vital in the development of dedicated curling ice since
E
Women’s Curling Champions and Olympic bronze the 1980s.
NG FED
medallists. (Elisabet Gustafson, Katarina Nyberg,
Ohman was Chief Ice Technician at three Olympic Winter Games – Nagano 1998, Salt
Louise Marmont and Elisabeth Persson).
Lake City 2002 and Torino 2006. He was Technical Delegate for the Games in Russia
Another two recipients, Canada’s Gordon Craig and at Sochi 2014 and in South Korea, at PyeongChang 2018. He was also the Chief Ice
Sweden’s Leif Öhman, were inducted as Builders. With Technician at eight World Curling Championships between 1985 and 2005.
their work in television and ice making respectively,
this pair have been instrumental in establishing the
current status of curling in the world of sport.
Mike Thomson (2019 Alumnus)
The cancellations of the 2020 World Championships have precluded presentations
to these recipients during the 2019–2020 season, as well as to 2019 nominee Mike
Thomson (Scotland). These presentations will be made as soon as is practicable.
More information about the World
Curling Hall of Fame, including
all recipients, can be found at
worldcurling.org
WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020 15Youth Olympic Games
Lausanne, Switzerland, 10-22 January 2020
96 curlers from 24 nations, aged Group A: Canada, Estonia, Poland, Republic National Olympic Committees were
Youth Olympic Games between 15 and 18 years, took part in of Korea, Russian Federation and Spain placed together to compete for Youth
Lausanne 2020 the third edition of the Winter Youth Group B: Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Olympic medals as one unit.
MEDALLISTS Olympic Games. Hungary, People’s Republic of China and After 11 sessions of knock-out games, six
Although the multi-sport event was Switzerland teams faced each other, with the three
TEAM hosted in the Olympic capital, Lausanne, Group C: France, Great Britain, New winners moving onto the semi-finals. The
Switzerland, curling took place 63 kilometres Zealand, Norway, Slovenia and Turkey semi-finalists were: HUN/CAN; CHN/CZE;
2 NORWAY and FRA/RUS. The fourth semi-final team,
Grunde Buraas (fourth) south, in the familiar setting of the Group D: Czech Republic, Italy, Japan,
Champéry Curling Arena. JPN/FRA, advanced based on having the
Nora Oestgaard (third) Latvia, Sweden, United States of America
best draw shot challenge.
Lukas Hoestmaelingen This was the largest curling field ever at (bold denotes quarter-final qualifiers)
(skip and second) these Games, a total of 24 gender equal In the semi-finals, HUN/CAN beat JPN/
In the semi-finals, Norway beat Russian FRA, 6-2, while FRA/RUS defeated CHN/
Ingeborg Forbregd (lead) teams – increased from 16 teams at the 2016
Federation, by 7-2, while Japan were 8-4 CZE, 10-5.
Games in Lillehammer, Norway.
2 JAPAN winners over New Zealand.
The curlers first represented their nations In the medal games, HUN/CAN took gold
Takumi Maeda (skip and fourth) Norway beat Japan, 5-4 to win the gold
in team curling, then at the conclusion of after a 9-5 win against FRA/RUS, while
Momoha Tabata (third) medals, scoring the winning single point
that competition, took part in the 48-team CHN/CZE won bronze against JPN/FRA
Asei Nakahara (second) in an extra end. At the same time, Russian
Mina Kobayashi (lead) mixed doubles discipline — with each team’s with a 7-3 victory.
Federation took bronze medals after
athletes in this event coming from different As part of the Youth Olympic Games
2 RUSSIA defeating New Zealand, 9-5.
National Olympic Committees. educational remit, all curlers were
Valeriia Denisenko For the mixed doubles portion of the Games, mentored by curling role models – John
The mixed team competition took the form
(skip and fourth) team selections were based on individual Morris from Canada and Switzerland’s
of a 15-session round robin, with the teams
Mikhail Vlasenko (third) performances from the mixed team event. Marlene Albrecht.
split into four groups:
Alina Fakhurtdinova (second) In a straight knock-out competition, one
Nikolai Lysakov (lead) male and one female player from different
MIXED DOUBLES
2 HUNGARY/CANADA
Laura Nagy
Nathan Young
2 FRANCE/RUSSIA
Chana Beitone
Nikolai Lysakov
2 CHINA/CZECH REPUBLIC
Junhang Pei
Vit Chabicovsky
16 WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020 17
Broadcast
WCTV Multilateral Coverage
WCTV
WCTV
SET-UP This includes assembling a team of specialist While broadcast remains a key distribution route
broadcast contractors, including programme directors, for World Curling TV output, other digital media
camera operators, commentators, technical video platforms — web streaming and social media platforms
and audio engineers, production engineers, and such as the World Curling Federation's YouTube and
satellite-link operators. World Curling TV must also Facebook channels — are increasingly important.
procure and manage all the equipment needed to Under normal circumstances, World Curling TV
generate the coverage — Outside Broadcast trucks, provides a blend of output:
Right Holder tv cameras, audio microphones, graphics equipment,
• P
lay-by-play “live” game action (with individual
and other production facilities — as well as the satellite
TV HQ uplink trucks, cables, connections and fibres that bind
game selection influenced by broadcaster demand)
TSN Game highlights packages (suitable for use in news
•
everything together.
sports programmes and round-ups)
As well as ensuring that the resources to broadcast
the action are in place, another key — and growing — “feature” articles (to add colour and attraction to
•
Right Holder’s Unilateral Coverage
role for World Curling TV is arranging distribution of the regular coverage)
BROADCAST AND In addition, World Curling TV has produced coverage competition coverage across the globe. Technically speaking, World Curling TV provides both
WORLD CURLING TV of the Curling World Cups and Olympic Qualification On behalf of the World Curling Federation, for Multilateral coverage and Unilateral coverage.
events, as well as other special projects such as a every individual championship, World Curling TV Multilateral involves a general “offer” of coverage,
From its beginnings at the 2004 Le Gruyère
number of World Curling Tour events and “Curling negotiates contracts with TV/radio/mobile/broadband available — by prior negotiation — to individual
European Championships held in Sofia, Bulgaria, Night in America” – a made-for-TV curling package rights holders and distributors such as national broadcasters and rights holders.
World Curling TV has been integral in bringing the made in partnership with United States broadcaster and international broadcasters — for example TSN Unilateral coverage involves "extra" activities
major World Curling championship events to ever- NBC, which has used six different venues in its six-year (Canada), NBC (USA), NHK (Japan), CCTV (China) negotiated in partnership with an individual
growing audiences, while helping to spread curling’s history to date. and Eurosport (Europe) — to name a few. organisation, serviced to an agreed level. For example,
global popularity and making it more attractive for In its complicated role as “host broadcaster”, World World Curling TV aims to balance the need to broadcasters may choose to send full crews to World
sponsors and partners alike. Curling TV draws together different strands of a maximise coverage while achieving revenue from the Curling events, negotiate the presence of their own
In recent times, every season, World Curling TV set-up that brings live and recorded curling action to broadcasters to help meet the costs of the production. commentators, or even request that World Curling TV
produces coverage of: viewers across the globe through an ever-changing Negotiations also take place with various broadcast performs “extra” broadcast activities on their behalf
network of routes and platforms. “Unions” across the globe, including the European (e.g. native-language athlete interviews).
• The Pacific-Asia Championships
To do so, and while working with partners such as local Broadcast Union, the Asia-Pacific Broadcast Union The role of World Curling TV is complex and
• The European Championships
organising committees, sports federations, national and their equivalent organisations in other continents continually changes in a sporting broadcast world full
• The World Junior Championships,
governments, broadcast rights-holders and others, and regions. Various news agencies, including famous of innovation and new challenges. By keeping pace
• The World Women’s Championship World Curling TV must establish and manage an array names like Reuters and Associated Press, are also in that ever-changing environment, World Curling
• The World Men’s Championship of resources. involved, in particular to generate coverage to TV has a significant role to play in promoting curling
• The World Mixed Doubles Championship. broadcast news outlets. across the world.
18 WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020Media
Increasing and educating the audience in the lead world championships brought a significant decrease The Sports Media Trainee Programme provided six
up to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in the traffic to www.worldcurling.org. Despite this, more aspiring journalists and photographers the
Beijing 2022 was the priority for the media team the average time users spent on the newly developed opportunity to cover an international curling event.
coming into the 2019–2020 season. website increased by 71%. Trainees attended the Europeans in Helsingborg,
The Federation's social channels continue their steady Sweden and the World Juniors in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
In pursuit of this goal the team developed written and
organic growth, with Instagram breaking the 25,000 However, two of those trainees were scheduled
video resources explaining qualification to the Games
follower count and World Curling TV's YouTube to attend the cancelled World Mixed Doubles in
while developing the Sina Weibo channel for the
channel passing 62,000 subscribers during the season Kelowna, Canada. Both trainees have been invited to
Chinese Audience.
despite the drop in available live broadcast content. an event during the 2020–2021 season.
Sina Weibo became a significant success for the
During the shortened season, the media team worked Looking ahead, the success of the Sina Weibo channel
media team, with the Chinese platform becoming the
with Scottish based, QTV Sports to produce a series led to the extension of the partnership with iX.co –
Federation's largest social media channel, breaking
of archive video broadcast for the Federation's Infront Sports and Media's digital company – until
the 95,000 followers count in its first year. This would
Facebook channel. This production allowed the the summer of 2022 with a remit to continue the
also see the channel receive recognition as one of the
curling community the opportunity to watch historic growth of the channel while also attending the World
Top Ten Annual Industry-leading Digital Media outlets
World Championship finals including the 2009 World Junior Curling Championships 2021 and the World
for winter sports, in China, at the fourth Winter Sports
Women's final featuring China's Team Bingyu Wang Wheelchair Curling Championship 2021 to develop
Tops Awards held in in Beijing.
against Sweden's Anette Norberg and the 2009 World content exclusively for the Chinese audience.
With the 2019–2020 season being incomplete due
Men's final between Scotland's Team David Murdoch
to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the loss of four
and Canada's Team Kevin Martin.
WORLD CURLING FEDERATION ANNUAL REVIEW 2019-2020 19You can also read
