The Lacombe Curling Club is gearing up for the 2024 Pan Continental Curling Championships.
From Oct. 27 until Nov. 2, 36 teams from 21 countries are set to compete at the Lacombe Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex for the World Championships qualifier.
“Equipment is starting to arrive, we've been working very closely with city crews, the facility team, as well as our world curling team, to do final preparations and make sure that the equipment arrives and is set up appropriately,” said Chantelle Bowman, Lacombe Curling Club President. “It's a lot of getting the last pieces in place to transform everything and get the competition started.”
This year there are eight men’s and eight women’s teams in the A Division, and eight women’s and 12 men’s teams in the B Division.
Women’s A Division Teams:
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Canada Team Homan
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USA Team Peterson
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China
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Japan
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Korea
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Mexico
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New Zealand
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Taipei
Men’s A Division Teams:
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Canada team Gushue
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USA Team Shuster
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Australia
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Japan
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Korea
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New Zealand
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China
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Taipei
Women’s B Division Teams:
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Australia
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Brazil
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Hong Kong
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Jamaica
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Kazakhstan
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Kenya
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Nigeria
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Philippines
Men’s B Division Teams:
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Brazil
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Hong Kong
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Jamaica
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India
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Kazakhstan
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Kenya
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Saudia Arabia
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Mongolia
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Nigeria
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Philippines
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Puerto Rico
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Qatar
The top six teams in the A Division will go on to represent their countries at the next men’s and women’s World Curling Championship, while the top two teams in the B Division will play in next year's A Division Pan Continental.
With over 200 competitors, volunteers, and spectators, there will be an influx of people in the city.
The Lacombe Curling Club is working with local businesses and restaurants, to ensure anyone who attends the event knows what’s available.
“We’re trying to highlight everything that Lacombe and the area has to offer,” Bowman said. “We’re hoping to bring a spotlight to it, and make an opportunity for everybody to benefit from this event.”
To wrap up the event, there will be “A Taste of the World” Windup Social, catered by Milly Oak, that will feature authentic foods from countries each team is from.
“We're trying to bring in as many businesses as possible to benefit in many different ways with the event,” Bowman said. “Then we'll be working with the teams, our crews that are coming in, and spectators to show people what the different businesses have to offer.”
A variety of ticket options for the event are available.
“We would love to see the arena nice and full,” Bowman said.
To help run the event, there are more than 200 volunteers lined up.
“We're very grateful for our great volunteer force that has stepped up to help make this event a success,” Bowman said.
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