CURLING: World Mixed Doubles and World Senior Curling Championships 2020 cancelled in Kelowna, Canada

For immediate release: Saturday 14 March 2020

Kelowna, Canada – The World Mixed Doubles and World Senior Curling Championships 2020 have been cancelled in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, due to the ongoing spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

These final two World Curling Championships of the 2019-2020 season were due to take place from 18–25 April at the Kelowna Curling Club.

With over 60 teams expected to be competing and more than 400 travellers including athletes, coaches, supporters and media attending from around the world, it is no longer possible to run these international events.

This decision comes following a recommendation from British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and careful deliberation with public health officials and event organisers, along with various national travel restrictions that have come into place around the world in the past 48 hours.

"The local organising committee recognises that hosting successful events cannot take place without significant support," said event co-chair Jan Martens. "It’s only with the assistance of our sponsors, our partners – City of Kelowna, Tourism Kelowna, the Province of B.C. and our numerous volunteers that we are able to meet the challenge. We want to sincerely thank everyone that worked so hard and partnered with us on this journey."

The safety of the athletes, officials, staff and supporters is paramount in this difficult decision.

With the event now not taking place, the World Curling Federation will consider the implications on mixed doubles Olympic qualification and discuss potential changes that will need to be considered with all the relevant stakeholders.

World Curling Federation President, Kate Caithness, said: "Following the cancellation of the World Women’s Curling Championship 2020 in Prince George, in the same Canadian province as the World Mixed Doubles and World Senior Curling Championships 2020, as well as the cancellation of the LGT World Men's Curling Championship 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland, we must also cancel these final world events of the season.

"It’s with great regret and disappointment that it has not been possible to run all of our flagship World Curling Championships in 2020. But, it’s vitally important to remember that we are not alone in doing so, with fellow sporting bodies around the globe also having to make these difficult decisions. Ultimately our first priority is always the health and well-being of our athletes, officials, fans and staff."

Tickets purchased at Select Your Tickets via the Internet or phone sales will be automatically refunded to the purchasing credit card on file. In person sales can only be refunded by visiting the Select Your Tickets Box office.

Ends

Notes to Editors

About the World Curling Federation www.worldcurling.org

The World Curling Federation is the international sport federation governing the Olympic winter sport of curling and the Paralympic winter sport of wheelchair curling. The World Curling Federation is one of seven International Federations currently part of the Olympic Winter Games programme. It represents 64 Member Associations and is generally acknowledged to direct one of the fastest-growing international winter sports.

Media resources

Media Centre: worldcurling.org/media

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For further information, please contact:

Cameron MacAllister Emily Dwyer Chris Hamilton

Head of Media Media Officer Digital Media Officer

World Curling Federation

e: media@worldcurling.org

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