In addition to promoting the game and showing off their Olympic medals, two curling greats delivered an important message to Prince George kids.
Karri Willms of Vernon, B.C. and Tom Brewster of Scotland both think getting into the international sport can boost a person’s confidence because it encourages athletes to get together, socialize and grow as a community.
“It’s that comradery that brings people together and for me it’s unlike any other sport that way,” said Brewster, the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic silver-medalist, in an interview with PrinceGeorgeMatters this morning (Feb. 21).
“The origins of the sport go all the way back to that. I think that’s a key part of the sport and I think it’s a key part of how we drive the sport. It’s just much about what happens on the ice as it does off the ice. [...] Everybody can participate and it doesn’t matter what age you are or what size you are. It;s such a big thing for the sport and it’s not really sold enough in that way.”
Both he and Willms are ambassadors with the World Curling Federation and visited Harwin Elementary School to promote the game with hundreds of students.
.@harwin57 had a visit from 2 curling greats this AM with a message to get into the game competitively & socially 🥌 @tbrewster7 & Karri Willms believe it's key to a child's development to be with friends & create community via sports | #CityOfPG @worldcurling @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/Eegm6pNMaU
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) February 21, 2020
As Prince George is set to host the 2020 World Women’s Curling Championships next month, the Olympians hope as many people can attend to witness the best curlers on Earth and indulge in the social aspect of the tournament with friends, family and fans alike.
“It means a lot to me to give back,” said Willms, also to PrinceGeorgeMatters.
She represented Canada at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, winning a bronze medal in the process.
“There’s so much pride to be part of a Team Canada, but it takes a lot of work and dedication to get there, plus a little bit of luck,” she added.
“There’s lots of sacrifices, but it’s so well worth it. In other countries, they don’t have ice, so [floor curling] is a way to get the sport going and bring it up.”
For both Brewster and Willms believe diving into the curling culture can benefit everyone in expanding their cultural exploration.
“It’s so much fun!” said Brewster. “You’re got support from all over the world coming to support their own nation and you can meet new people and make new friends from all different nations, learn about new cultures too.”
“You're going to see a lot of great curling, you’re going to see the different cultures and the great countries,” said Willms.
“It’s a great event to be a part of, the crowds in Canada are amazing. They get very loud and it's an exciting place to be.”
In 22 days, B.C.’s northern capital will welcome the best female curlers to the 2020 World Women’s Curling Championships, taking place at the CN Centre from March 14 to 22.
Brewster is also attending a wine and cheese social with local residents at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club tonight from 4 to 6 p.m.
