News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

December 15, 2017

Manitoba Announces Committee to Develop International Curling Centre of Excellence



Manitoba is sliding closer to establishing an International Curling Centre of Excellence (ICCE) by selecting the committee that will help guide its development, Premier Brian Pallister and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced today.

“Manitoba has a reputation as a world leader in curling, and we will build on that excellence with a centre to develop and support the sport at all levels,” said Pallister.  “We are bringing together some of curling’s best and brightest to help us develop a training ground that will nurture great talent from at home and abroad, and inspire the next generations of curlers.”

The committee will make recommendations to government on how best to establish a centre in Winnipeg.  ICCE will be designed to promote curling at all levels, train and develop curlers and coaches to achieve top-class international performance, engage students from across Canada, and seek out and host international competitions.  ICCE will strive to be recognized by every level of curling, the premier noted.

“We have assembled a winning team with Manitoba’s top curlers, coaches and technical experts,” added Cox.  “We’re bringing together people who are passionate about this project and truly love the sport to help us find ways to fulfil our vision of a centre that will attract curlers to Manitoba and help grow the game.”

Committee membership represents 13 players, coaches and icemakers with experience ranging from grassroots to top-level international competitions.  The committee will be chaired by Mark Olson, a Brier champion, international level coach and past-president of the Manitoba Curling Tour, and includes some of Manitoba and Canada’s biggest names in curling including Jennifer Jones and Connie Laliberte.

“We’re excited to get started,” said Olson.  “Having Winnipeg and Manitoba as the home to where the international curling community can come and raise their game to the level they desire makes perfect sense to me.  We’re going to do our best to see that it comes to fruition, right here in the modern-day home to curling.”

Among its first tasks, the committee will review similar centres in other jurisdictions and look for ways to partner with the private sector.  The committee is expected to provide recommendations to government by summer 2018.

- 30 -

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED




Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2017/12/BG-ICCE_Committee-SCH-PR.doc