At the Women in Curling Summits, Connection Is as Powerful as Competition
By Jolene Latimer
Linda Bolton stood at the arrival gate of Kelowna International Airport, eagerly scanning every new face coming through the doors. Her friend and curling colleague nudged her and whispered, “You have to breathe.” Bolton laughed, knowing she was behaving like an excited fan but unable to help it. Reigning world curling champion Rachel Homan had just arrived in the Okanagan to attend the British Columbia Women in Curling Summit in Kamloops—an event Bolton had been working hard to organize for months.
“When I picked up Rachel from the airport and I saw her walking toward us, that was the time when I knew the hard work was going to be worth it,” Bolton said. “I was thinking: We’re actually having Rachel Homan at our club. What a treat that will be for all the people.”
The two-hour drive back to Kamloops was filled with conversation about family, curling preparation, and balancing both. Bolton recalled, “She talked a lot about her family and how devoted they are to backing her. It was really cool.”
Bolton had spent months preparing for the Women in Curling Summit in Kamloops, part of Curling Canada’s national initiative to advance women’s leadership and participation in the sport.
The event brought together women from across the curling community to share experiences, empower one another, and foster leadership in the sport they love.
Empowering Women in Curling
- The summit promotes women’s leadership within the curling community.
- It provides a space to network, share challenges, and celebrate successes.
- Champion athletes like Rachel Homan inspire attendees through their experiences.
“We’re actually having Rachel Homan at our club. What a treat that will be for all the people.”
This initiative reflects Curling Canada’s commitment to growing participation and leadership opportunities for women in curling.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
The conversations between Bolton and Homan highlighted the importance of family support in an athlete’s life. “She talked a lot about her family and how devoted they are to backing her,” Bolton shared. This balance of personal dedication and competitive focus was a recurring theme throughout the summit.
Building a Stronger Community
Events like the Women in Curling Summit help knit together a supportive community that champions the sport's development and the advancement of women on and off the ice.
Author’s summary: The Women in Curling Summit strengthens leadership and community among female curlers, highlighted by Rachel Homan’s inspiring involvement and a focus on balancing family and sport.