In 2021, as the pandemic continued to shut down the world, Curling Canada made the very bold decision to develop the protocols and plan to host seven back to back events on behalf of the sport. Nolan Thiessen from Curling Canada was the driver behind developing the plan to make it happen in partnership with Tourism Calgary.
The seven events created a life line for a number of local businesses and entertainment for Canadians and curling lovers all over the planet when many were stuck at home. Hopefully an event like this will never happen again, but it was a truly incredible accomplishment and moment in time for sport. Nolan was also kind enough to include a likeness of me in the front row of the stands along with cut outs of may other curling fans – a memento I will cherish forever.
Carson Ackroyd – Tourism Calgary, AB