Team Wild Card 1, L-R, skip Kaitlyn Lawes, third Laura Walker, second Jocelyn Peterman, lead Kristin MacCuish, Selena Njegovan (parental leave) Lisa Weagle (coach). Fort Rouge Curling Club, Winnipeg. The 2023 Scotties Tournament of Hearts Feb. 17-26, 2023 - Sandman Centre - Kamloops, B.C. Curling Canada, Andrew Klaver /Andrew Klaver photography, 2023 Scotties Tournament of Hearts Feb. 17-26, 2023 -
August 30, 2024 — In a shocking turn of events, Curling Canada has announced the cancellation of this year’s national championships, citing a severe funding crisis that has left the organization unable to support the event. The decision, revealed in an emergency press conference earlier today, has sent ripples through the curling community, leaving athletes, fans, and stakeholders reeling.
The cancellation affects the prestigious Tim Hortons Brier and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, both of which were set to take place in early 2024. Curling Canada CEO, Katherine Henderson, expressed deep regret over the decision, stating, “This is one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make. We explored every possible avenue, but the financial challenges have become insurmountable.”
The funding shortfall is attributed to a combination of reduced sponsorships, lower-than-expected ticket sales, and rising operational costs. The organization had hoped to secure emergency funding from government bodies and private donors, but those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Athletes and teams across the country have voiced their disappointment and frustration over the news. Jennifer Jones, a six-time Scotties champion, said, “It’s heartbreaking. The nationals are the pinnacle of our sport in Canada. This is a huge blow to everyone involved.” Many teams were in the midst of their training cycles, preparing for what is often considered the most important event on the Canadian curling calendar.
Fans, too, have expressed their dismay, with social media abuzz over the unexpected announcement. Some have called for a grassroots fundraising campaign to help salvage the championships, while others have voiced concerns about the long-term impact on the sport’s development and growth in Canada.
Curling Canada has pledged to support affected athletes and work towards rebuilding for the future. “We will be back,” Henderson assured, “and when we are, we hope to come back stronger than ever.”
For now, however, the curling community is left to grapple with the reality of a season without its flagship events, marking a significant setback in the sport’s history in Canada.
