At the Women in Curling Summits, Connection Matches Competition
By Jolene Latimer
Linda Bolton waited anxiously at the arrival gate of Kelowna International Airport, her eyes fixed on every new face passing through the sliding doors. A friend and fellow curler leaned in and whispered,
“You have to breathe.”Bolton smiled, acknowledging her excitement. The reigning world curling champion Rachel Homan had just landed in the Okanagan to attend an event Bolton had dedicated months to organizing: the British Columbia Women in Curling Summit held in Kamloops this September.
The Moment of Arrival
“When I picked up Rachel from the airport and saw her walking toward us, I realized all the hard work was going to pay off,” Bolton shared.
“We’re actually having Rachel Homan at our club. What a treat for everyone.”
Journey and Conversation
The two-hour drive back to Kamloops sparked rich conversations about family, curling preparation, and balancing both.
“She talked a lot about her family and how devoted they are to backing her. It was really cool,”Bolton said.
Summit Preparation and Purpose
Bolton had invested significant effort over several months to prepare for the Women in Curling Summit in Kamloops, which is part of Curling Canada’s national initiative to boost women’s leadership and involvement in the sport.
Author’s summary: The Women in Curling Summit fosters strong connections and celebrates leadership, highlighted by Rachel Homan’s inspiring visit, amplifying the spirit of community in the sport.